This is an impressive and ornate baseball relic linked to two legendary 18th century baseball pioneers. The antique takes the form of a 16 1/2-inch tall clock with a cast iron facing that projects a fascinating high-relief tableau: this metal figural incorporates two ballplayers speculatively identified as Bob Ferguson of the Brooklyn Atlantics and Bobby Mathews of the rival New York Mutuals flanking the sides. Anchoring the design at the bottom portion are likenesses of Hall of Famers and pioneers of the game Henry Chadwick and Alexander Cartwright. Thus four eminently notable baseball personalities adorn this single piece. Additionally the figures of two children perhaps representative of the sports future are poised at the castings top. The decorative timepiece is known in the collectibles industry as the Muller Baseball Clock. The New York-based Nicholas Muller was a highly regarded maker of cast iron clock casings in the late 19th century. According to research pursued by noted clock expert Carlton Hendricks the baseball design is listed in an 1876 Muller catalog as Ball Players identified as clock #135. The item incorporates a clock movement produced by Seth Thomas. Adding to the clocks allure is its significance as an early baseball artwork and its great rarity no more than a half-dozen are speculated to have survived with the example from the Barry Halper Collection having been sold directly to the Baseball Hall of Fame; this is one of just three examples to reach public auction. Nicholas Muller and his brother Karl are credited with the creation of the earliest and finest sculptural interpretations of the National Pastime and their works are held in great esteem among Americana specialists; this superlative clock stands as an important offshoot of the German brothers inspirations in stand-alone sculpture. The brilliance of the Muller Clock example here offered was for a time hiding in plain view. When this Muller work came to the industrys attention during recent years the casting bore a coat of decades-old paint on its facing. The paint was surprisingly easily removed by rubbing with a gentle solvent whereupon the pieces remarkable detail (likely preserved to some extent by its painted coating) emerged in its full splendor. With the exception of the glass door and faceplate the timepieces structure and mechanism appear to be complete and intact. Although no assurance of full viability can be made its presumed that routine professional cleaning and adjustment will restore function. Regardless the clock presents as a wondrous display artifact with an outstanding presence. Heres an artistic marvel and one of the memorabilia specialtys rarest and coveted baseball-themed relics.