Birge & Fuller Candlestick

Joseph Ives conceived of the idea of providing power to the gear train of a clock movement using flat steel bars fastened together thereby creating a lever spring. With one end of the bars fastened and the other end deflected energy could be stored in the spring and delivered to the gear train. In 1845 Ives filed for a United States Letters Patent and the “Patent Accelerating Spring” clock was born. Collectors refer to these clocks as “Wagon Spring” shelf clocks. This particular example is one of the finest known to exist and formerly in the collection of prominent collector. Back in the early 1990s this clock surfaced at a public auction in New York State. It sold for just over $20K with the buyers premium and was buried in a private collection until it appeared on the market recently as the owners began the process of planning their retirement: downsizing their home and collection. Acquiring this clock was a no-brainer for me as I knew it well. This wagon spring candlestick clock is quite possibly the very best example of its kind with all original everything. This is a choice example with untouched original reverse glass paintings, dial, and outstanding label. The clock is in running condition. The choice mahogany veneered case is in very nice condition with only some minor surface blemishes and chipping. Enjoy the photos as you don’t find them like this very often, and it is available for a fraction of what it previously sold for 25 years ago!