Simon Willard & Son. A fine Federal Massachusetts wall Timepiece or Banjo Clock made circa 1825. Signed and numbered on the dial. No. 4507. NN-29.
This fine example features a case constructed in mahogany and incorporates half-round mahogany frames fitted with figured mahogany panels. The veneers selected for this clock are outstanding due to the vibrant patterns exhibited in the grain. A turned mahogany acorn finial is mounted to a finial plinth at the top of the case. Brass sidearms are fitted to the sides of this case. The brass bezel is fitted with glass. It opens to allow access to the steel arrow pointed hands and the painted iron dial. This dial is signed “Simon Willard & Son.” The signature is in good original condition. This example is also numbered on the dial “No. 4587.” The time track is formatted with a closed minute circle and Roman-style hour numerals. The time-only weight-driven movement is constructed in brass and is of excellent quality. It is designed to run for eight days on a full wind. The rectangular-shaped plates support the hardened steel shafts and pinions. The brass gearing is finely cut, and the escapement is a recoil design. The movement is secured to the case with two diagonally positioned steel through-bolts. It is somewhat unusual for these to be still present with this antique clock. The pendulum is supported by a bridge mounted to the front of the movement. The steel pendulum rod is fitted with a brass-faced bob.
This clock measures approximately 32.5 inches long. It was made between 1823 and 1828.
This clock, with its historical significance, exceptional craftsmanship, and excellent condition, is priced at $ 9,500, reflecting its value in the world of antique clocks.
Inventory number NN-29.
On January 13, 1795, Simon Jr. was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts. He served his first clock apprenticeship to his father, Simon. Sometime during 1810-1812, he went to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to train in the art of watchmaking under the stewardship of John Pond. In 1813, Simon Jr entered West Point Military Academy and graduated two years later in March. He was commissioned in the Ordnance Corps and sent to the Pittsburgh Arsenal on the Allegheny River in Pennsylvania. In May of 1816, he resigned at the rank of Lieutenant and returned to Roxbury in 1817. At that time, he started a glassware and Crockery business. On December 6, 1821, he Married Eliza Adams. Together they had seven children. As early as 1823, Simon Jr. was in business with his father as Simon Willard & Son. In 1826-27, Junior moved and lived in New York City to train as a chronometer maker under the stewardship of Dominick Eggert. When he returned from his apprenticeship in chronometer making, he set up his own shop on No. 9 Congress Street in Boston. Here he became very successful as a merchant and a chronometer repairman. He became well-known among sea captains and sailors as a weather prophet. Simon Jr. was a talented person and financially successful.
