An Aaron Willard Jr. gilt frame wall timepiece or banjo clock made in Boston circa 1820. The dial is numbered “1907” and the lower tablet depicts Helios. 220097.

This classic Federal Massachusetts Timepiece or "Banjo clock" was made by Aaron Willard Jr. of Boston, Massachusetts, circa 1820. 

The case is constructed in mahogany and features rope-decorated frames that retain their original gilding. The gilded finish remains in excellent original condition. The frames are fitted with reverse painted or eglomise tablets. The subject and detail work, enhanced by the vibrant colors, is of good quality. The lower tablet depicts Helios, the sun god. Helios drove his chariot across the sky each day, giving the earth its hours and seasons. Helios rose from a palace in the east and flew to another in the west. He boarded a golden ferry with his team and chariot each night to sail home. He is poised with his left arm outstretched, holding the reins. A trident is held in his right. His chariot is being pulled along behind two hippocampi. The oval opening in the center allows one to view the motion of the brass-faced pendulum bob that swings behind the glass. The sun's radiants extend from the oval out into the heavens. This glass has had some restoration. Most of which is limited to the outer border. The throat tablet is decorated with a traditional theme. The colors complement those used in the lower tablet. 

The sidearms, finial, and dial bezel are brass. The dial bezel is fitted with glass and opens to a painted iron dial. 

The Maker's name and working location are boldly signed and are still legible after 200 years. The signature reads, “A. Willard, Jr. / Boston.“ This clock is also numbered on the dial, “No. 1907.” Roman-style hour numerals are used to demark the hours. The minute ring is segmented with dashes. Diamond markers are used at the quarter-hour positions. Two elegantly hand-filed steel barbed hands show the time. A trait of most Aaron Willard Jr made wall clocks. 

The time-only movement is weight-driven and designed to run for eight days on a full wind. Please note that the original lead time weight descends the channel in the center of the case directly below the works. The movement features brass construction. Two brass plates frame the gearing and are secured by four brass pillars. The movement is mounted to the backboard with two screws that are diagonally positioned on the plates. They secure the backplate to the wooden backboard. The pendulum is supported by a bridge suspension post. This clock was originally fitted with an alarm feature. This mechanism has been removed in the past. This does not affect the clock's ability to keep time. Overall, the movement is of excellent quality, which is typical of this Maker. The pendulum is constructed with a steel rod and a brass-faced lead bob. The brass face is, of course, visible through the lower opening in the front door. The motion of this indicates the clock is operating. 

This attractive clock measures approximately 34.5 inches long to the top of the finial. It was made circa 1820.

Inventory number 220097.