Blog
This dazzling rocking ship tall case clock was crafted in Boston, Massachusetts, circa 1800. A treasure of Federal-era design, it boasts superb proportions, exquisite inlay work, and masterful construction in richly figured mahogany with warm, lustrous tones and refined brass ornamentation.
Fine Federal Massachusetts Banjo Clock by Waltham, retailed by Tilden-Thurber Co. / Providence, RI– Circa 1906
This exceptional Federal-style Massachusetts Timepiece, commonly known as a Banjo Clock, is a fine example of early 20th-century craftsmanship. Signed on the dial by the prestigious Tilden-Thurber Co., Providence, this clock was manufactured by the Waltham Clock Company of Waltham, Massachusetts, around 1906—its first year of production.
According to E. Howard Clock Company catalogs offered four different sizes of Model No. 59. However, this particular mid-size version is noticeably missing from their catalog, making it a rare find. Records document this model, referred to as the 59-9, only once—an order placed in 1880 and sent to their Boston store, as my brother John discovered during his research of the remaining E. Howard Clock Company records. The case of this uncommon size measures 4 feet 3 inches in length, compared to the smallest version, which features a 6-inch dial and a 3-foot-long case. E. Howard offered variations of Model No. 59 in oak, ash, cherry, or walnut.
This Rhode Island shelf clock, crafted by David Williams of Newport in 1815, is a notable example of the Massachusetts shelf clock tradition. This style is primarily associated with Boston, particularly the Willard family of Roxbury. Refined proportions and elegant craftsmanship characterize it. Although produced outside Massachusetts, these clocks retain their designation due to Willard's influence on their design.
This choice E. Howard Model No. 3 wall timepiece, crafted around 1870, exemplifies 19th-century craftsmanship by blending elegance with American horological practicality. Its elongated banjo shape captures attention on the wall, and its proportions are thoughtfully balanced to accentuate without overwhelming the space. At 38 inches long with a 9-inch dial, it occupies an ideal size between the largest and smallest models in the series. The deep, faux-grained case beautifully contrasts with the vibrant, painted glass panels, drawing the eye to its refined details.
Freeman Hoyt crafted this Mirror Clock in Burlington, Vermont, circa 1828. It represents a remarkable blend of function and artistry. This rare Vermont mirror clock is a striking timepiece and a decorative mirror. Mirror clocks were highly valued in colonial homes for fulfilling two essential functions. Like all clocks, their primary role was to tell time—a luxury not overlooked in an era when timepieces were rare. Unlike today, when clocks are everywhere, having just one clock at home meant time was displayed in a single, central location. Consequently, it was crucial to place the clock in an accessible area, often within a frequently visited room. Beyond showing time, the mirror clock also functioned as a wall mirror, allowing homeowners to view their reflection—a rare convenience. Large mirrors were not yet widely available and regarded as wealth symbols. The mirror's reflective surface also brightened the room by enhancing light and creating the illusion of more significant space, further boosting its utility and charm.
The Ithaca Belgrade No. 5.5 calendar wall clock is a masterful example of late 19th to early 20th-century clockmaking, seamlessly blending artistic design with precise mechanical function. With a well-preserved older finish, its vibrant walnut case captures the Eastlake aesthetic through intricate carvings, applied moldings, turned elements, and incised gold-filled lines that add visual depth and contrast. This elegance is a hallmark of its time.
The E. Howard Clock Company's "Figure Eight" model is a masterpiece of 19th-century American clockmaking, celebrated for its elegant design and exceptional craftsmanship. This wall clock earns its name from its distinct figure-eight shape, formed by the arrangement of its two circular sections. Produced in the late 1800s, it remains a timeless design that seamlessly fits traditional and modern interiors. The clock's aesthetic appeal and mechanical ingenuity have made it one of the most sought-after antique timepieces on the market.
The André Guilmet lighthouse clock, made circa 1885, is an impressive example of industrial artistry that embodies the innovative spirit of the Industrial Revolution. Standing 17.5 inches tall, it is part of Guilmet's "Industrial Series," a collection of mechanical marvels that celebrates the era's fascination with machinery and the emerging fields of transportation. Each model in this series is beautifully crafted, often combining a clock, a barometer, and a thermometer to create a cohesive, automated, and intricate device.
The Gale Drop Calendar Model No. 3, also known as the Parliament Model, is a fine example of 19th-century American clockmaking ingenuity, crafted circa 1883 by the E.N.Welch Clock Co. and Daniel Gale in Forestville, Connecticut. Encased in beautiful rosewood, the clock's original finish has maintained its rich, elegant graining, adding to its antique appeal. The clock's intricate paper dial is applied to a tin pan. Its condition is remarkably well-preserved, divided into five displays, each serving a different function—marking the time, day, date, month, sunrise- sunset table, and lunar phases.