Waltham Clock Company of Waltham, Massachusetts. Presentation timepiece. Banjo clock. It was retailed by Tiffany & Co. of New York. 215041.
This is an outstanding example of a Federal Massachusetts improved timepiece or “Banjo clock” made by the Waltham Clock Company of Waltham, Massachusetts, circa 1925. What makes this example so outstanding is the presentation of the case and the coloring and skill of the reverse-painted tablets.
The case is constructed in mahogany. Many of the surfaces retain their original gilding. This includes the outside edge of the backboard, the large cast eagle finial bezel and side arms, the frames, rope decoration, and the presentation bracket. Both frames are fitted with twisted metal ropes, and the presentation bracket features eight turned wooden balls. The gilding is in very good original condition.
The reverse-painted tablets are hand-painted in excellent colors and demonstrate excellent skill. The throat features a traditional theme for this form. It is quite intricate in its design, and the color is excellent. The lower tablet depicts a popular view of the Naval battle between the Constitution and Guerriere. This battle took place during the War of 1812. The U.S. Frigate Constitution’s Commanding Officer, Isaac Hull, engaged and defeated Captain James R. Dacres of the Guerriere off the coast of Halifax, Nova Scotia, on August 19th, 1812. Also note the American shield, which is a pierced format, allowing one to see the motion of the pendulum when the clock is running. The Artist’s name is D. J. Steele. The tablet is signed in the lower left. The border is an unusual color. The multiple shades of white are unusual.
The brass bezel is fitted with convex glass and opens to a painted iron dial featuring Roman hour numerals and a gilt-lined inner circle. The Retailer’s name is printed in small block lettering. It reads, “Tiffany & Co.”
The weight-driven movement is designed for eight days on a full wind. As one might expect, the quality is outstanding. It features damascene plates, maintaining power, and a Geneva Stop winding mechanism. The front plate is die-stamped with the Maker’s name in the upper right corner. It is also numbered “6425” on the left. (Please note that this clock was photographed before we serviced the movement.)
This beautiful clock measures approximately 42.5 inches long overall.
Inventory number 215041.
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.
