ASA Munger Ironing Board Top Shelf Clock

American. 19th Century. Asa Munger mahogany 8 Day column or ironing board shelf clock with a time and strike movement; a painted steel dial with 2nds bit; an interior paper label; the weights and the key. The glass in the upper portion of the door has a chipped ice effect. The mahogany veneer case with carved half columns; circa 1830's, Auburn, N.Y. with original 9" dial and original interior label. Time and bell striking. This case form is often called a “Flattop" or an "Ironing Board Top” carved column and cornice wall or shelf timepiece. Height 39.5", width 22.3", depth 8.25". Asa Munger was born in Granby, Massachusetts on October 14, 1777. He grew up in Ludlow, MA as the oldest of fifteen siblings. The firm Munger & Benedict, is thought to have been one of if not the first to sign a labor contract with a state penitentiary. This was for the use of convict labor. The firm Munger & Co., was comprised of Asa Munger, Thaddeus Benedict and Clarke Beers Hotchkiss and used prison labor in the construction of their clocks. Munger left this venture in 1834. Hotchkiss and Benedict continued. Munger continued to operate a jewelry store business and clock operation. In March 1851, Asa Munger passes away.