Birge & Fuller Wagon Spring powered Steeple on Steeple Clock. CCC-44.

This is a sweetheart of a clock. It is a very good example of a steeple-on-steeple clock that was manufactured by the firm Birge & Fuller of Bristol, Connecticut.

This is a highly collectible form because it is powered with a "Wagon spring mechanism." The movement in this clock is constructed in brass. It is quite typical in that it is designed for eight days on a full wind and strikes each hour on a wire gong. Where it differs is in the manner in which it is powered. This model is powered by a leaf spring or wagon spring. (A Joseph Ives Patent.) The most common method of powering a Connecticut clock is with a coil spring or a weight. When one winds this clock, cords pull on levers that tension the leaf springs mounted in the bottom of the case. This added mechanical feature must have been very costly to produce compared to the standard coil spring-driven movement. The wagon spring models incorporated several cast iron parts, which include a leaf spring, levers, and hoists or pulleys. As a result, this clock didn't sell very well. Today, because of the limited number of clocks made and the survivability of those that did, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find good examples such as this one.

The clock case is veneered with richly-grained rosewood and retains its original finish. The tablets are also original to this clock and are in outstanding condition. They are frosted, and the floral designs and musical harp decorations are painted onto the back of the glass. The added color helps the overall appearance of the clock. The dial on this clock is painted on tin and features the traditional Roman numeral time ring. The Clockmaker's label is pasted onto the backboard. It is in good overall condition.

This case stands Standing on four bun feet. It measures only 27.5 inches tall by approximately 13.5 inches wide. It was made circa 1845.

Inventory number CCC-44.