This is a fine mahogany cased lyre from wall clock or timepiece made in Boston, Massachusetts, circa 1835. This clock is not signed. 223330.

This is a fine mahogany cased lyre from wall clock or timepiece made in Boston, Massachusetts, circa 1835. This clock is not signed. 223330.

This example is nicely proportioned and has a graceful presence on the wall. This form gets its name from the lyre shape exhibited in the case's throat section. The design resembles the general shape of a musical harp or lyre instrument. This musical motif became very popular sometime around 1825 and is incorporated in a number of furniture forms, including chairs, tables, and mirrors of this period. The clockmaking partnership of Sawin & Dyar made many Lyre clocks. John Sawin is credited for producing the first American Lyre clock in Boston. 

This beautiful example is constructed in mahogany and retains an enhanced finish. The mahogany wood is conservatively figured. The current finish compliments this nicely. The bottom of the case is fitted with a shaped bracket. This design swells upward from the wooden acorn finial to a rectangular-shaped box. This lower box provides enough area for the brass-faced pendulum bob to swing freely from side to side and for the drive weight to descend behind it. The lyre cases constructed by the Boston cabinetmakers are often stamped with a cabinetmaker's lot number. This clock is stamped with the number "2" on the bottom right side of this box and on the left side of the door frame. The lower door is constructed with a canted molding that frames the wooden panel. This panel is original to this clock. The door is hinged to provide access to the inside of the case. The middle section of the case also frames a veneered mahogany panel. This lyre-shaped frame is decorated with acanthus-themed carvings. These are well-executed and nicely shaped. The wooden dial bezel is turned and shaped. It is fitted with glass that protects the dial. Mounted to the case above the bezel is a shaped finial plinth. Mounted to this is a deeply carved wooden finial. Its form radiates up and outward.

The painted iron dial features a closed, segmented minute ring and Roman-style hour numerals. These mark the hours in a traditional format. Finely made steel hands called open moons are used to display the time. 

The weight-driven movement is brass construction designed to run for eight days on a full wind. The works are wound with a key and powered by a cast-iron weight. Rectangular-shaped brass plates frame the hardened steel arbors, alternate train brass gearing, and a recoil escapement. The movement is mounted to the case with two diagonal ear mounts. This movement is of good quality. The pendulum hangs from a bridge mounted to the front of the works. 

The overall height of this clock is approximately 39.5 inches long. 

A similar example is referenced on page 135, Fig. 311, in Paul Foley's book, "Willard Patent Time Pieces."

Inventory number 223330.