A suburb Waltham wall presentation timepiece or banjo clock featuring gilt rope frames and a painted scene of the Naval battle between the Constitution and the Guerriere. D. J. Steele Artist. 224097.
This clock is not just any clock; it is exceptional. It represents the pinnacle of what was available from the Waltham Clock factory. The reverse-painted tablets were meticulously crafted by D. J Steele, a testament to the exceptional quality of this timepiece.
The case is constructed in mahogany and retains its original surfaces. Gilding is applied as a decorative element. It is found on the half-rounded edge of the backboard, on the large cast eagle finial, on the top of the finial plinth, on the brass dial bezel and side arms, on the frames and the twisted brass rope, and the presentation bracket. The bracket features eight turned wooden balls and an acorn-style drop finial. All of the gilding remains in excellent original condition.
The reverse-painted tablets are hand-painted in excellent colors and demonstrate excellent skill. The throat features a traditional theme for this wall clock form. This version has a complex design, and the colors are fantastic. The lower tablet depicts a popular view of the War of 1812 Naval battle between the U.S.S. Constitution and H.M.S. Guerriere. The U.S. Frigate Constitution’s Commanding Officer, Isaac Hull, engaged and defeated Captain James R. Dacres of the Guerriere off Halifax, Nova Scotia coast on August 19th, 1812. This battle was a significant victory for the United States during the War of 1812. Centered in this scene is an American shield. The design is pierced, allowing one to see through the glass where the pendulum’s motion will be visible when the clock is running. The artistry of these tablets is excellent. D. J. Steele signs this tablet in the lower left.
The brass dial bezel is fitted with convex glass and opens to a painted iron dial. This dial features a segmented minute ring, Roman-style hour numerals, a gilt-lined inner circle, and the Maker’s name printed in small block lettering. It reads, “WALTHAM.” Arrow-shaped steel hands display the time.
The weight-driven movement is designed for eight days once fully wound. As one might expect from the Waltham Clock Company, a renowned and respected name in the clockmaking industry, the quality and workmanship are outstanding. The works feature damascene-decorated rectangular-shaped plates. The front plate is die-stamped with the Maker’s name in the upper right corner. It is also numbered “6823” on the left. (Please note that this clock was photographed before we serviced the movement.) The Geneva Stop winding mechanism is also located here. Four posts space the plates apart. The hardened steel shafts are fitted with pinions and support the brass gearing, maintaining power and recoil escapement. The pendulum is suspended from a bridge mounted to the top of the front plate. Its flat wooden rod supports a brass-covered lead bob. The brass movement is mounted with steel screws that attach to a metal mounting bracket.
This beautiful clock measures approximately 42.5 inches long overall.
Inventory number 224097.
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.
