This Federal-style 'Improved Timepiece' or 'Banjo Clock,' with stenciled-decorated frames attributed to the Boston father-and-son partnership of Simon Willard & Son. BBB-19.

This Federal-style Massachusetts wall clock, known as an 'Improved Timepiece' or 'Banjo Clock,' is stenciled-decorated. It is a valuable historical artifact whose construction is attributed to the Boston father-and-son partnership of Simon Willard & Son.

Paint decorating walls, furniture, and accessories has been popular for centuries. By the early 19th century, the introduction of stencils saw an increase in use. This treatment became widespread due to its ease of use and the low cost of the process. Soon, chairs, mirrors, and clocks featured this colorful decoration. Lower-quality woods could be used in cabinet construction since they were now painted.

This timepiece case is constructed in mahogany and retains 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 is painted black, and the complex designs are applied in bronze powders. This original treatment is the best I have seen. Acorn-style finials decorate the top and bottom of this case. The frames are fitted with a matched pair of reverse-painted tablets. These are expertly paint-decorated from the back. Both tablets feature a mustard-yellow background and a series of borders that center artistic designs positioned over a green field. The gilt patterns are fancy. They are a highly developed form. Only the subject matter in the center of these glasses differs. The throat section depicts an urn with a vine of floral themes rising from out of it. The red banner in the lower section reads "PATENT," paying homage to Simon's 1802 patent for this revolutionary clock form. The lower tablet features an oval in the center. A decorative gilt border frames the clear opening so you can view the motion of the brass-covered pendulum bob. Over the years, both tablets have experienced some minor losses to their painted designs. The past owners of this clock have restored these, and they prove to be examples of good stewardship. The brass dial bezel opens to access a painted iron dial.

Its brass bezel is fitted with glass and opens to a painted iron dial that is not signed. It features Roman-style hour numerals, a closed minute track, and open moon-style hands.

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. 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 BBB-19.