Mahogany Patent Timepiece or “Banjo Clock” by Simon Willard, Roxbury, Massachusetts, c. 1805-10, painted iron dial with Roman numerals, gilt banding, and leafage around center arbor, gilded rope molded frames and reverse painted glasses, both inscribed Patent and with gilt hatch work on a red ground, the throat flanked by brass side ornaments and at the base, a gilded pedestal, eight-day timepiece movement with “T-bridge” pendulum suspension, step train and through bolts for case attachment, regulated by a pendulum and powered by a lead weight faintly inscribed S Willard, ht. 40 in.
A closely related example is shown in Paul J. Foley, Willard Patent Timepieces, p. 21. The present example was found in England and apparently has been there for much of the 20th century. A repair ticket and inscriptions on components trace the clock to a “Mr. Jones of 4065 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia”, circa 1870.
Condition report
Condition: Overall, a very respectable clock. Both glasses are the originals, dial undisturbed, some slight cleaning to gilding, finial and acorn on pedestal are a replacements, minute hand mended, throat glass frame tongue restored to fit under dial and brass tabs added to the lower section to secure frame to case, replacement pendulum tie-down, center wheel is a replacement.
Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging.
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