Simon Willard invented the banjo clock in 1802. It proved a successful timepiece that helped bridge American and European clockmaking traditions.
Wall clocks without striking mechanisms that indicate time through their hands and dial are known as timepieces; their mahogany cases feature hinged doors for easy use.
The History of Banjo Clocks
Simon Willard, an esteemed American clockmaker, first designed this iconic timepiece in 1802. Known as his “Improved Patent Time Piece,” its development quickly gained widespread acceptance across America without litigation from him or other manufacturers using his design. Although never filed by Willard directly against other manufacturers who used his design without his permission, this banjo clock quickly became one of America’s favorite timepieces – its distinctive banjo shape features long neck that meets at square base; often decorated with reverse painted scenes on glass for decoration while its circular clock face sports black Roman numerals and white Breguet style hands for timekeeping purposes.
Authentic banjo clocks are rare and highly collectible; however, many American clock companies produced copies after Simon Willard’s patent expired; those created by Willard himself are most sought after.
The banjo clock resembles its namesake musical instrument; however, it also shares many characteristics with early American clocks like the lyre clock which featured strings hanging down from its head; and the girandole clock which had an identical form with more elaborate bases.
Banjo clocks are notable not only for their distinct appearance, but also because of their compact and economical construction. Lighter in weight than tall case or Massachusetts shelf clocks and usually lacking hour-striking and alarm mechanisms; additionally they used smaller weight pendulums with easier maintenance requirements compared to tall cases or Massachusetts shelf clocks.
Paul Foley, a historian at Northeastern University, has investigated the development of banjo clocks as a key aspect of New England’s industrialization. Studying them may help shed more light on issues like urban and rural aspects of industry, labor trends and impacts related to machine tool industry development in New England.
In his book, the author describes Simon Willard’s experiments with various forms for his clocks; most notably was his banjo clock which helped establish other American clock styles.
They Are Made With High-Quality Materials
When shopping for a banjo clock, it is essential that it is constructed of quality materials. Be sure the case is sturdy, the movement has been well maintained over time, dial is in good condition, weights of high quality – only then will your banjo clock withstand time for years and years!
Simon Willard developed the style we now refer to as banjo clocks at the dawn of the 19th century. His “Improved Patent Time Piece” was granted its patent in 1802 and quickly gained in popularity, quickly replacing tall clocks across many regions and making significant impacts upon American clockmaking. Production continued up until its discontinuance at the end of the nineteenth century.
A banjo clock is a wall-mounted timepiece with an unusual shape, often decorated with intricate wood ornamentation. It has a hinged door for accessing weights and pendulum, often featuring nautical scenes or ornamental patterns on its door – often decorated with carvings depicting nautical life or patterns – which opens for access to its weights and pendulum. A brass sculpture (usually an eagle) sits atop this timepiece. Unlike tall clocks, banjo clocks don’t feature striking mechanisms but instead indicate time with hands and dials instead.
Massachusetts clockmakers Benjamin, Simon and Ephraim Willard as well as their son Aaron were widely revered for the beauty of their clocks. Each created his own style of timepieces that earned recognition throughout history.
Bidsquare provides a selection of banjo clocks suitable for either decorative or functional needs, perfect for adding elegance and charm to any room in the house. With vintage and antique models from across time periods – vintage clocks made out of wood to antique ones with various sizes, styles, and finishes – you are certain to find what suits you!
This fine Maine banjo clock is in very good original condition, boasting a pleasing old surface with soft colors. Finished in mahogany with brass spread-wing finial on mahogany plinth. Featured are cross-banded frames with geometric eglomise panels at throat panel; on reverse-painted tablet is soft blue border that surrounds demi-lune window featuring blossom form spandrel devices at lower tablet.
They Are Often Associated With Nostalgia
Simon Willard created the original banjo clocks at the turn of the 19th Century. He patented his unique clock design in 1802 under the name Willard’s Improved Patent Time Piece; these clocks eventually came to be known by their nickname of banjo clocks due to their resemblance of musical instruments. These unique wall clocks often bring back fond memories, helping people connect to past lives they may have otherwise lost touch with.
Not only were these clocks attractive in appearance, they were also superbly made. Crafted with high-grade materials like wood and brass for durability and years of reliable use. Furthermore, many were designed with decorative features making them a captivating feature in any room.
Vintage banjo clocks make great additions to any home. Their elegant charm can bring elegance and history together in one. Here at 1stDibs, we offer an extensive collection of these clocks so that you can find one suitable for yours.
These clocks are constructed using fine woods like mahogany and walnut. Their ornamental egolmise glass panels recalling early 1800s aesthetics are an added feature. Their case takes the form of a banjo instrument itself with its round opening for dial and long neck usually featuring decorative fretwork or even finials that take on an eagle-like form adorning its long neck and end cap.
Vintage banjo clocks are prized among collectors due to their durable construction and long history, as well as their distinctive shape that stands out among any decor. Their durability allows them to provide collectors with lasting pleasure as they connect people to a past that may no longer exist – making these clocks an excellent way to add something special and unique into any home environment.
They Are Available at Bidsquare
Banjo clocks are iconic American timepieces, embodying the skill and craftsmanship of early American clockmakers. Now part of horological history and highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts, banjo clocks remain sought-after items to add to collections worldwide. If you are in search of one for yourself, Bidsquare offers many antique and vintage models available for bidding.
Simon Willard first created and patented the banjo clock in 1802, creating a wall-mounted clock featuring a pendulum suspended from its bottom case and named after its shape that resembles that of a banjo neck – hence its moniker. Additionally, these clocks often include decorative features like carvings or paintings to complete their unique appearance.
Banjo clocks designed in the 19th century were often attached to the side of houses as a way of showing a family’s wealth and status, as well as offering an attractive way of showing it. Their intricate carvings and ornamental features made them visually appealing in any home; their curved shapes drew attention towards them, and their wooden surfaces often featured intricate paintings to further increase their visual appeal.
These wall-mounted clocks bear several similarities to other forms of wall-mounted timepieces such as the girandole and lyre; however, these clocks were both more functional than ornamental pieces; for instance, both used strings and bases with floral patterns to decorate them; unlike banjo clocks that hang directly from walls, girandoles were table clocks meant for mantels or shelves.
Another key distinction between banjo clocks and other timepieces is their inability to chime the time. This is due to their primary purpose – serving as timepieces that demonstrate wealth and social status – rather than as musical instruments.
Simon Willard was one of the earliest and most prominent clockmakers in America. Working closely with his brother Aaron and other family members, he produced banjo clocks under patent that are still extremely sought-after today. Additionally, Simon taught other apprentices and clockmakers his methods for production–making original Willard clocks highly sought after collectors today. To see examples of Simon’s work for yourself visit North Grafton Clock Museum to see examples.