Joshua Wilder. Hingham, Massachusetts. A wall timepiece or banjo clock. 225091.
This decorative banjo clock is signed on the dial, Joshua Wilder, Hingham. Hingham, Massachusetts, is located 20 miles south of Boston.
This case is constructed of mahogany and white pine. The mahogany wood has been refinished, a process that enhances the grain patterns naturally exhibited in this premium wood. The patina of this case is in excess of fifty years old. Fitted to the top of the plinth and mounted on this case is a wooden acorn-style finial.
The dial bezel, throat, and lower door frames feature half-rounded moldings. The hinged bezel is fitted with glass, which protects the dial. It opens to allow one access to the clock's hands and winding arbor. This painted iron dial is signed, "Joshua Wilder / Hingham." This signature has been added or perhaps repainted over the original. It is likely that this dial was originally signed in this manner. This case features the same unusual sidearm design as another well-known Wilder clock. In fact, the other clock is pictured on the front cover of Chipman P. Ela's book THE BANJO TIMEPIECE. An In-Depth Study of the Weight Driven Banjo Clock. The Roman-style hour numerals are sandwiched between a closed minute and a gilt ring.
Both frames are fitted with mahogany-veneered wooden panels. These veneers feature excellent grain patterns. The lower door has a diamond-shaped viewing window cut into it, through which the brass-faced pendulum bob swings. The lower door opens to access the pendulum bob and the rating nut.
A carved and shaped presentation bracket is mounted below the lower box. The decorative fretwork side arms are very unusual. They are an interesting option as compared to the traditional brass forms—these wooden versions stand out.
The movement is constructed in brass and is weight-driven. It requires rewinding every eight days. The long, rectangular-shaped brass plates are supported by four posts. The backplate features cast tabs with screws that mount it to the backboard. Hardened steel shafts support the brass gearing and recoil escapement. Please note the wonderful undercutting of the gear teeth. A bridge on the front plate supports the pendulum. This movement is of good quality.
This decorative example measures approximately 42 inches in length from the bottom of the presentation bracket to the top of the center finial, 10 inches in width across the lower box, and 4 inches in depth. The painted iron dial measures approximately 9 inches in diameter.
For additional information about banjo clocks and their historical significance, please read Paul Foley's book, Willard's Patent Timepieces. This book provides a more detailed discussion regarding wall timepieces and their significance in the history of American clockmaking.
This clock was made circa 1820.
Inventory number 225091.
Joshua Wilder was born in Hingham, Massachusetts, on December 2, 1786. He was trained in the art of clockmaking by John Bailey Jr. of Hanover, MA. Wilder completed this apprenticeship sometime around 1807. It appears he stayed in Hanover briefly before moving back to Hingham to establish his home and business on Main Street in the South Parish. Wilder was the first clockmaker to settle in this prosperous town. He found a ready market for tall case clocks, dwarf clocks, wall timepieces, the Massachusetts shelf form, and mirror clocks. Wilder becomes one of America’s most prolific Makers of the dwarf clock form.
Joshua Wilder was active in the local religious Society of Friends. He became known locally as the “Old Quaker Joshua Wilder.” He was also involved with the Temperance Society and Peace Society of Hingham. Wilder’s business eventually evolves into a retailer of common goods. Wilder is said to have trained several Clockmakers, including his son Ezra Wilder, Reuben Tower, Allen Kelley, and Phillip Bennet. About 1840, it is said that his son Ezra joined him in business. Joshua died on October 4, 1860, in the town of Scituate.
A fair number of clocks made by this maker have been found. Many of these are the dwarf form but also include tall case clocks, timepieces, shelf clocks, and mirror clocks in much smaller numbers. Currently, the Hingham Library is displaying a tall case clock he made.
