William Grant. A Boston-made wall timepiece or banjo clock. 225056.
The skilled hands of William Grant crafted this late Boston, MA, timepiece. This version represents the last of the hand-made clocks made in America.
William Grant, a master of his craft, was working as a clockmaker during a time of increased pressure from companies that were rapidly developing methods of mass production. By 1840, the skilled craftsman could no longer compete. Factory-made clocks became far less expensive and were produced in incredible quantities. This clock, a testament to Grant's skill and dedication, is a rare and valuable piece of American history.
This excellent example features a mahogany case that measures approximately 32.75 inches in length from the bottom of the lower box to the top of the center finial, 10 inches in width across the lower box, and 4 inches in depth. The size of this clock makes it easy to place in one's home. The painted iron dial measures approximately 9 inches in diameter and is just large enough to be read from across the room.
The case is constructed in mahogany and retains its historic finish. The grain patterns exhibited in the wood are still visible. At the top of the case is a decorative turned wooden acorn-themed finial, a common motif in American Federal period furniture and decorative arts. It is mounted onto a stepped mahogany plinth. The brass dial bezel is fitted with glass protecting the dial. The bezel is hinged and opens to allow access to the clock's arrow-formed steel hands and winding arbor. This painted iron dial is signed, "William Grant / Boston." The sides of the case include carved wooden S-shaped sidearms. These are original to this example. The throat panel and lower door frames feature canted moldings and are fitted with mahogany veneered wooden panels. Both panels feature subtle grain patterns and a variety of brown tones, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the clock. The lower door opens to access the brass-faced pendulum bob and rating nut.
The movement is constructed in brass and is of good quality.. This weight-driven clock is designed to run for eight days on a full wind. The brass plates are rectangular. They are supported by four posts and mounted inside the case to the backboard with a screw. Hardened steel shafts support the brass gearing and recoil escapement. The cast-iron drive weight descends below the works, and the pendulum hangs from a bridge on the front plate.
Please read Paul Foley's book, Willard's Patent Timepieces, for a more detailed discussion regarding wall timepieces and their significance in the history of American clockmaking. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the development of wall timepieces in America, including the work of the renowned Willard clockmakers and their impact on the history of American clockmaking. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of American clockmaking and will provide additional context for understanding the significance of this clock.
William Grant made this excellent example circa 1820.
Inventory number 225056.
William Grant was born in Wrentham, Massachusetts, on June 1413, 1800. His parents were Captian Joshua Grant (1767-1810) and Lois (Guild) Grant (1770-1857.) It is thought that he trained as a clockmaker under the guidance of Aaron Willard Jr. in Boston. Throughout his career, William had several working relationships. In 1828, he was working with Henry Loring as Grant and Loring on the corner of Washington and Essex Streets. In 1833, his shop was located at 44 Hanover Street. In April 1834, he partnered with Nathaniel Kimball as William Grant & Co. This partnership ended in April 1835. In September 1835, he advertised that he was at 31 Hanover Street and had Timpieces for sale. Later that year, he sold his business to William Pratt, an apprentice, and moved to Dedham, MA, where he bought 30 acres on the Charles River. This property had 3000 white Mulberry trees that were used to harvest silk. Grant died in Dedham on July 29, 1836. Numerous clockmaking tools, which were crucial to his craft, were listed in his estate.
A small number of clocks signed by William Grant are known. Old Sturbridge Village has a striking wall clock pictured in Zea, 1992, p. 55.
William Grant's clocks are closely related to his Master's. Grant's movements are secured in their cases with a single center bolt rear mounting. The escapement is recoil with a steel crutch and single bridge suspension. The steel hands are arrow-shaped or barbed.
