Simon Willard Banjo Timepiece

In our up-coming September 10th auction we’re offering a banjo timepiece attributed to Simon Willard. I’m familiar with this clock. It’s one I sold some years ago, and it’s fun to revisit this clock and to re acquaint myself with the consignors who have sought my help in finding a new caretaker for this fine early American antique attributed the most celebrated of all American clockmakers.

Since Simon Willard* (1753-1848) is probably America’s most celebrated clockmaker, there has always been a mystique surrounding his clocks. Beginning in 1802 when he patented and made his first banjo timepiece (and throughout the rest of his long career) he made three basic case models of his patented timepiece:

1. the “crossbanded” case with crossbanded veneer and string inlay,
   


2. the “reeded” case with panels that were reeded,
   


3. the “presentation” banjo timepiece with rope molded panels, with a bracket below the pendulum box, and gold leaf finish.
   

It was the crossbanded case that has stayed most popular throughout the years since its beginnings in 1802. Also we note that Simon Willard was one of the first to use reverse painted glasses in clocks, an innovative design idea, giving the impression of actual enamel and therefore making for colorful timepiece of real lasting beauty. Often a theme of commemorative interest was depicted on glasses, or a landscape, or plain geometric designs.

This is an early crossbanded model, with plain yet elegant proportions that includes the bold white dial with Roman numerals held short and at the edge, making for a design that makes telling time easier. The reverse painted glasses are in yellow, green and black and white and are simpler than many of the Simon’s timepieces. Remarkable is the patriotic theme depicted on the pendulum box, and as Lady Liberty points to the United States on the globe she waves an American flag with a banner: “Willard’s Patent”.

Other details commonly found on Simon’s patented timepieces are also illustrated in the detail photographs. Along with a list if technical details, his actual patent included the “T” bridge with a stepped train geared movement, as this example has. The dials were attached with slotted “L” shaped screws; the throat was (oddly, we think) held on with screws that went through the paneling. The pendulum box was secured with the winding key.

Please take a few minutes to look at the items we ill be selling in our September 9th sale and our September 10th sale.

* Picture credit: http://www.kellscraft.com/EarlyAmericanCraftsmen/EarlyAmericanCraftsmenCh06.html