A fantastic reproduction of a Simon Willard Lighthouse Clock. 216080.

This is a faithful reproduction of a lighthouse clock. It is my opinion that this example was made with the intention of deceiving the original buyer into thinking that it was a first-period example. The case is constructed with old wood. As a result, the veneers exhibit a vibrant grain pattern, and the interior surfaces show appropriate oxidation and age. In addition, the form is excellent.

Simon Willard introduced the lighthouse clock form as a variation of the shelf clock. Its appeal, beyond the unusual case form, has to be the accessibility of the mechanism. Placing the works under a glass dome allowed the viewer to see a clock mechanism's internal workings and motions. Viewing the inner workings of a clock mechanism must have been fascinating. Shortly after their introduction, a variety of movement configurations were employed. The alarm is often associated with this form because of an advertisement Simon placed in 1822. Simon advertised in the Boston newspaper his newly patented alarm with an illustration of the lighthouse clock form. Simon was granted a patent for an alarm mechanism in 1822. This clock form was well suited to illustrate this device. Based on the lighthouse examples known to survive, the variation in case presentations suggests that they were made individually. The glass dome mounted to the top of the case was integral to the design of the case. The glass dome also provided a cover for the movement and protected it from dust. The designs of these movements from one example to another exhibit a number of variations. The vast majority appear to have been constructed as timepieces. The next category features the timepiece design that is fitted with a passing strike. Others were designed with an alarm mechanism added to the left side of the works. The alarm hammer could be set up to strike a bell, which was usually mounted above the movement, or to rap on the wooden case. Another visually attractive setup choice was the inclusion of a rocking ship. The ship is displayed above the dial and moves side to side with the pendulum's motion. Today, the original clocks are highly prized by collectors. As a result, the original form has been reproduced by a number of people. 

This hand-built case stands on three brass ball feet that are applied to the bottom of the case. The front panel of the octagon-shaped base is fitted with an ormolu mount in the form of a victory wreath. A skillfully turned molding transitions the octagon form to a tapered circular waist section. This panel features a quality selection of mahogany veneer. The top of the clock is fitted with a wonderfully shaped glass dome. This dome is removable so that one can access the movement and dial. 

The slightly convex dial on this example is brass and fitted into a decorative brass ring-turned bezel. The brass dial is engraved with Simon Willard's name and his working location of "ROXBURY." It also features Roman-style figures that mark the hours. The front surface is treated with a silver wash that provides excellent contrast between the hands and the dial surface. The hands are skillfully made and feature arrow pointers. 

The time-only movement is constructed in brass and designed to run for eight days on a full wind. It is powered by a large lead weight that descends through the center of the case. The two large rectangular brass plates are rounded at the top. These are supported by four turned posts. The brass gearing is suspended by steel shafts. The pinions are hardened and turned smooth. The escapement is a recoil design, and the pendulum hangs from the back of the movement suspended on a post. This clock is fitted with a passing strike. This means that a hammer will strike the bell mounted above the movement once each hour. It is returned to the position by the tension in the fitted coil spring. 

It is my guess that this clock was made 50 to100 years ago. It stands approximately 28.5 inches tall to the top of the glass dome. It is 9.25 inches wide and 9.25 inches deep. It truly is excellent quality.

Inventory number 216080.