A stenciled-decorated Federal-style Massachusetts "Improved Timepiece" or "Banjo Clock." 225083.
Paint decorating walls, furniture, and accessories has been popular for centuries. By the early 19th century, the introduction of stencils had led to an increase in their use. This treatment became widespread due to its ease of use and the low cost of the process. Soon, chairs, mirrors, and clocks were adorned with this colorful decoration. An additional benefit to the cabinet maker was that, since the surfaces were being painted, lower-quality woods could be used in cabinet construction.
This timepiece's case is constructed from mahogany and features a historic finish. Flowing brass sidearms with diamond supports flank the case. The half-round moldings and presentation bracket are decorated with stencils. The background of the painted design is black. The foliage decorations, usually in the form of stylized leaves, are applied in bronze powders. This original treatment remains in excellent original condition. Acorn-style finials decorate the top and bottom of this case. The frames are fitted with a matched pair of reproduction reverse-painted tablets. These are expertly paint-decorated from the back. The throat section depicts a traditional theme presented in gold, red, and green. The lower tablet features an undecorated oval in the center. A decorative gilt border frames the clear opening, allowing you to view the motion of the brass-covered pendulum bob. The brass dial bezel opens to access a painted iron dial.
The painted dial features Roman-style hour numerals, which are positioned on a segmented minute track. The minutes are demarked with slashes. The five-minute positions, as well as the hours, have diamond-shaped markers. Arrow-shaped hands track the time.
Behind the dial is the brass-made movement, a key component of the clock. Its construction quality is excellent, with long rectangular-shaped plates supporting the hardened steel arbors and brass gearing. The gear cutting exhibits a high level of skill as the teeth are wonderfully undercut. This weight-driven, time-only movement is designed to run for eight days when fully wound, and the pendulum hangs from a bridge on the front plate of the works. A metal rod supports the brass-faced pendulum bob, ensuring the clock's accuracy and reliability.
Inventory number 225083.
