Rare Aaron Willard Jr. (1783-1864) Walnut Veneered Figure-eight Wall Regulator

Description:

Rare Aaron Willard Jr. (1783-1864) Walnut Veneered Figure-eight Wall Regulator, Boston, c. 1825, book-matched veneered hinged door with half-round moldings enclosing the dial aperture and lower reverse-painted tablet, 12-in. dia. roman numeral iron dial signed "A. Willard Jr. Boston," with seconds bit, eight-day time-only movement with steel pinions, recoil escapement, trapezoidal brass plates, front plate stamped "A. Willard Jr. Boston," and original pine seating board, ht. 50 in.

Note: It is likely that the present example was one of several different variations of "regulators for watchmakers" which Willard advertised in 1823, in addition to patent timepieces, family and public clocks, portable orreries, and astronomical and church clocks, from his 815 Washington Street address.

It is interesting to note that both Edward Howard and David P. Davis were apprentices to Aaron Willard Jr. This is the first "figure-eight" clock by a Willard known to this writer and clearly demonstrates the design origin for later E. Howard figure-eights offered in five sizes. (Paul J. Foley, Willard's Patent Timepieces, pp. 267, 329-330).
Estimate $7,000-9,000


Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. 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 shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

Keywords