A superb Waltham wall presentation timepiece or banjo clock featuring gilt rope frames and a painted scene of the Naval battle between the Constitution and the Guerriere commemorating Captain Hull. 226041.
This clock is not just any wall timepiece; it is exceptional. It represents the pinnacle of what was available from the Waltham Clock factory. The reverse-painted tablets are colorfully painted, and the rope-fitted frames are finished in gilding, a testament to the exceptional quality of this timepiece.
The case is constructed in mahogany and retains its original surfaces. Gilding is applied as a decorative element. It is found on the half-rounded edge of the backboard, on the large cast eagle finial, on the top of the finial plinth, on the brass dial bezel and side arms, on the frames and the twisted brass rope, and on the presentation bracket. The bracket features eight turned wooden balls and an acorn-style drop finial. The blocking at the corners of the frames features a gilded element partially burnished in a triangular pattern. It requires four triangles to complete the square. All of the gilding remains in excellent original condition.
The reverse-painted tablets are hand-painted in excellent colors and demonstrate remarkable skill. The throat features a traditional motif for this wall clock form, and this version stands out for its intricate design and vibrant palette. The lower tablet, titled “Hull,” vividly captures the historic naval engagement off Halifax, Nova Scotia, between the USS Constitution and the British frigate Guerriere on August 19, 1812. This battle was a turning point in the War of 1812 and holds significant importance in American naval history. Facing a formidable British adversary, the relatively young United States Navy, under Captain Isaac Hull, demonstrated exceptional resilience and tactical prowess. The Constitution’s victory—famously aided by her strong oak hull, which caused British cannonballs to “bounce off” and earned her the nickname “Old Ironsides”—was not only a stunning military achievement but also a symbolic moment that boosted American morale. The defeat of the Guerriere shattered the aura of British naval supremacy and was widely celebrated in the United States. News of the triumph spread quickly, rallying national pride and confidence at a precarious time for the young nation. This success established the U.S. Navy as a credible force, inspiring both the public and future naval endeavors.
The brass bezel is fitted with a convex glass and opens to access the painted iron dial. This dial features a segmented minute ring, Roman-style hour numerals, a gilt-lined inner circle, and the Boston Reatiler's name printed in small block lettering. It reads, “SMITH PATTERSON CO.” This retailer was founded in 1878 by M.N. Smith and Henry Winthrop Patterson and was located at Summer and Arch Streets (the Smith Patterson Building). It became a prominent Boston jeweler and silversmith, well known for custom flatware, timepieces, and engagement rings before being acquired in the mid-1950s. Arrow-shaped steel hands display the time.
The weight-driven movement is designed to run for 8 days once fully wound. As one might expect from the Waltham Clock Company, a renowned and respected name in the clockmaking industry, the quality and workmanship are outstanding. The works feature damascene-decorated rectangular-shaped plates. The front plate is die-stamped with the Maker’s name in the upper right corner. It is also numbered “7118” on the left. (Please note that this clock was photographed before we serviced the movement.) The Geneva Stop winding mechanism is located on the right. Four brass pillars space the two plates apart. The hardened steel shafts, fitted with fine pinions, support the brass gearing, maintaining power and recoil escapement. The pendulum is suspended from a bridge mounted to the top of the front plate. Its brass keystone is fitted to a flat wooden rod. AT the bottom is a brass-covered lead bob and rating nut. The brass movement is mounted with steel screws that attach to a metal mounting bracket.
This beautiful clock measures approximately 42.5 inches long overall.
Inventory number 226041.
The Waltham Clock and Waltham Watch Companies, in their various forms, have been synonymous with quality timepieces. The Company was first established in Waltham, Massachusetts, in January of 1897 as the Waltham Clock Company. Their products, known for their excellent quality, included hall, shelf, and then wall clocks. In 1913, they merged with the watchmaking giant Waltham Watch, but continued to produce clocks under the Waltham Clock name until 1923, when the name was changed to the Waltham Watch and Clock Company. In 1925, the name was changed again to the Waltham Watch Co. The production of pendulum clocks is reported to have ceased around 1930.
