Waltham Clock Company of Waltham, Massachusetts. A wall timepiece or banjo clock with D. J. Steele tablets. 212111.
This Federal-style Massachusetts improved timepiece, or "Banjo clock," is an outstanding example. It was 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, the frames, and the presentation bracket. Both of the frames are fitted with a twisted metal rope, and the presentation bracket features eight turned wooden balls.
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. The lower tablet depicts a popular view of the Boston State House from the point of view of the Public Gardens. This tablet is signed by the Artist in the lower left. The Artist's name is D. J. Steele.
The brass bezel is fitted with convex glass and opens to a painted iron dial featuring Roman hour numerals, a gilt-lined inner circle, and the Retailer's name printed in small block lettering. It reads, "Shreve, Crump & Low Co."
The weight-driven movement is designed for eight days on a full wind. As one might expect, the quality is outstanding. It features heavy brass rectangular-shaped plates finished in a damascene design, 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 "6862" on the left. (Please note that this clock was photographed before we serviced the movement.) The brass movement is mounted with steel screws that attach to a metal mounting bracket.
This very pretty clock measures approximately 42.5 inches long overall.
Inventory number 212111.
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.
