“Willard’s Patent.” This is an unsigned Massachusetts timepiece from Boston. 221212.

This fine Federal Massachusetts timepiece, also known as a “Banjo clock,” was made in Boston circa 1815.

In 1802, Simon Willard was granted a U.S. patent for his groundbreaking timepiece design, which was signed by President Thomas Jefferson. This patent granted Willard exclusive manufacturing rights for 14 years. Willard’s wall-hanging timepiece, later known as the "Banjo clock," had a significant impact on the clock market due to its compact form, mechanical reliability, and ability to keep accurate time for eight days on a single winding.

This clock case shows many features typical of Boston-made examples. It is made of mahogany. The head is evenly cut to fit the movement, and the glue blocks are small, well-shaped, and placed in the traditional Boston locations.

The front frames are fitted with rope moldings. They are finished in gilt. The side arms and bezel are brass, both in the Boston style. The brass eagle finial is also a traditional design.

Both frames have painted glass tablets. These eglomise tablets are skillfully hand-painted and are older replacements, done by professionals.

The iron dial is hand-painted and has a closed minute track. Each hour is marked with Arabic numerals. The steel hour and minute hands are expertly hand-filed and blued.

The time-only weight-driven movement is brass construction. It is an eight-day design. The movement construction features large rectangular brass plates, step-train gearing, and a dead-beat escapement. The teeth in the gear train are deeply cut. A T-bridge suspension supports the pendulum. The movement is mounted to the back of the case with two steel through bolts. It is amazing that these have survived.

This attractive Federal Massachusetts Timepiece, or ‘Banjo clock,’ was made around 1815. It measures about 44 inches long.

Inventory number 221212.