Mahogany Shelf Patent Timepiece or “Banjo” Clock by Charles Babbitt, Taunton, Massachusetts, c. 1850, glazed wooden bezel over the 7 3/4 in. iron painted dial with Arabic numerals and signed Charles Babbitt Taunton, hinged waist section with bird’s-eye maple panel enclosed within diamond pattern stringing, base with bird’s-eye maple panel framed by complicated dart pattern inlay, eight-day brass time-only movement mounted on a seating board and attached to backboard by through bolts, cast iron weight and pendulum rod with central regulating assembly accessible through waisted section, ht. 35 1/2 in. Measurements of base: ht. 13 x wd. 12 1/4 (13 in. across the base plinth) x dp. 5 in.
Note: This unusual patent timepiece variation is perhaps unique and known only by this example from this southeastern Massachusetts maker.
Condition report
Condition: Case is refinished, movement in overhauled condition, mounted on an original pine backing spacer for movement depth adjustment, some relining on numerals, signature in original condition.
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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