A wall timepiece made by the Boston Clockmaker Joshua Seward. Banjo clock. 216038.
This is an excellent example of a Boston-made wall timepiece. The case is constructed in mahogany and appears to retain its original finish. The surface is dry and slightly crazed with age. At the top of the case is a brass eagle finial. The eagle is perched on a brass ball with its wings outstretched. The side arms and the dial bezel are cast in brass. Convex glass protects the dial. The half-rounded mahogany frames are fitted with glass panels or tablets. These are paint-decorated from the back and are in good condition. The lower tablet is excellent. The scene depicts Lady Liberty crossing a body of water on the backs of two hippocamps. The border and coloring are somewhat traditional for the form. The throat frame features a classic theme. A high percentage of the white background on the left has been restored to match the original color.
This painted iron dial is signed "Seward." This signature is in excellent original condition and can be viewed from across the room. The time ring is marked out in Roman-style hour numerals. Behind the dial is a brass weight-driven movement.
This key-wound weight-driven movement is designed to run for eight days. The gearing in the time train is nicely formed and includes a recoil escapement. The pendulum features a brass-faced bob.
This clock measures approximately 33 inches long.
This fine example was made when he worked in Boston circa 1835.
Inventory number 216038.
For more information regarding Joshua Seward and wall timepieces, please read Paul J. Foley's book, "Willard's Patent Time Pieces."
Joshua Seward was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on May 5, 1809, and died in Woburn, Massachusetts, on July 21, 1885. Current research suggests that he was most likely an apprentice of John Sawin, a prolific Boston clockmaker. In 1832, Seward partnered with Alva Skinner under the firm Skinner & Seward. In May of 1833, Seward advertised working alone in a shop located at 63 Congress Street. By 1836, he gave up clockmaking to operate the livery stable at the Boylston Estate on School Street in Boston. From 1840 through 1842, Seward lived in Charlestown.
