A superb Waltham wall timepiece or banjo clock originally sold by the retail firm Tilden-Thurber of Providence, Rhode Island. 225012.
This fine Federal Massachusetts Timepiece form is commonly known as a "Banjo Clock." This example is signed on the dial by the retailer "Tilden-Thurber Co., / Providence." The Tilden-Thurber Co. was located at the corner of Mathewson and Westminster Streets in the city of Providence, Rhode Island. It was a high-end retailer of fine goods, including silver and jewelry. This clock was made by the Waltham Clock Company of Waltham, Massachusetts, circa 1906 and was sold in the Tilden-Thurber store.
This Waltham timepiece, an early example with the serial number' 5531,' is a unique find. It was produced in Waltham's first year, 1906, as a centennial reproduction of Simon Willard's original patented design. Notable early Waltham features include the composite eagle finial, a lifting tab on the dial bezel, a flat zinc dial, and a shorter stubby presentation bracket, distinguishing it from later models.
The case is constructed in mahogany and has been recently refinished. This exotic wood's medium brown rich coloring contrasts beautifully with the applied yellow brass and gilt decorations. An eagle finial adorns the top of the case. This eagle finial is well made and exhibits good definition in its feathers. The brass dial bezel is fitted with convex glass and opens to a painted zinc dial featuring Roman-style hour numerals, a gilt-lined inner circle, and the Retailer's name printed in small block lettering. It reads, "Tilden-Thurber / Providence." Shapely brass sidearms are mounted to the side of the throat section. A presentation bracket, finished in gilt, is mounted to the bottom of the case. This decorative element is original to this clock. Eight gilt balls decorated the lower bracket. The flat mahogany frames are cross-banded with rosewood. These frames support hand-painted tablets that retain their original decoration and excellent colors. The throat tablet features traditional themes, including gilt borders, an urn, and florals. The lower tablet is decorated with a border that matches the panel in the throat section. The lower section of this border is titled "Wasp & Frolic." The central scene in the lower glass depicts the War of 1812 naval battle between the "WASP AND FROLIC." On the morning of October 18th, 1812, the USS Wasp, an 18-gun ship-sloop captained by Jacob Jones, came across a damaged and weak HMS Frolic, an 18-gun brig-sloop captained by Thomas Whinyates, and engaged it in battle. (A Hurricane had recently damaged the Frolic.) Within hours, the Wasp took control of the damaged hulk, adding another naval victory to the American's resume. (Please read the history of this maritime engagement for the rest of the story.) An American eagle is painted in the center of the scene. It is depicted with its wings outstretched and has an American shield affixed to its chest. The stripes of this shield are not decorated; as a result, the brass-faced pendulum bobbing swinging behind the glass will flash through this design. The bird, with its powerful talons, is clutching arrows. This is an excellent tablet demonstrating a high level of skill. The colors and detail are outstanding.
The brass movement of this clock is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship. It is mounted with diagonal-positioned machined screws and is designed to run for eight days. The quality is outstanding, featuring heavy brass plates decorated with a damascene design, maintaining power, and a Geneva stop winding mechanism. The front plate is die-stamped with the serial number "5531" on the left.
This impressive clock measures approximately 44 inches in length, making it a substantial and eye-catching addition to any collection or space.
Inventory number 225012.
The Waltham Clock and Waltham Watch Companies, in their various forms, have been synonymous with quality timepieces. The Company was first established in Waltham, Massachusetts, in January of 1897 as the Waltham Clock Company. Their products, known for their excellent quality, included hall, shelf, and then wall clocks. In 1913, they merged with the watchmaking giant Waltham Watch, but continued to produce clocks under the Waltham Clock name until 1923, when the name was changed to the Waltham Watch and Clock Company. In 1925, the name was changed again to the Waltham Watch Co. The production of pendulum clocks is reported to have ceased around 1930.
