Simon Willard Reeded-front Patent Timepiece or "Banjo" Clock

Description:

Simon Willard Reeded-front Patent Timepiece or "Banjo" Clock, Roxbury, Massachusetts, c. 1810, mahogany case with brass bezel over the slightly convex, 8-in. painted iron roman numeral dial, blued steel barbed hands, reeded frames enclosing reverse-painted glasses, the lower signed in gold leaf S. Willard's Patent with Federal shield pendulum aperture surmounted by an eagle grasping olive branches and arrows, the waist glass flanked by two brass side ornaments decorated with geometric gold crosshatching and stylized moon, both against a salmon ground, eight-day timepiece movement with through bolt attachment to the case, T-bridge pendulum suspension, step train, and recoil escapement all powered by a lead weight and regulated by a pendulum, ht. 30 in.

Note: Reeded-front timepieces by Simon or Aaron Willard Jr. are extremely rare, but remain documented examples of Willard casework. For an example by Aaron Willard Jr. also with related painted glasses, please see Paul J. Foley, Willard's Patent Timepieces, p. 51, fig. 110, and p. 189, fig. 453.
Estimate $8,000-12,000

Lacking finial, one through bolt for movement attachment is a replacement, most wooden strips for glass attachment in the frames are restored,two corner facade blocks on throat reeded frame are gone, inpainting on waist glass, original hands, side ornaments, bezel, weight (replaced hook),pendulum, are original.


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. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement 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.

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