Simon Willard patent timepiece

$5000  SOLD!

 Simon Willard patent timepiece (banjo clock), ca. 1815.  Simon Willard timepieces are some of the most sought-after clocks, representing Willard’s innovative approach to designing a smaller and yet accurate and reliable timepiece in an attractive format.  This is an outstanding example of Willard’s most widely copied invention; a 28-inch mahogany case with rosewood crossbanding on the lower door and throat, holding two  original glasses and tablets. Both glasses have been minimally and professionally retouched; the convex dial glass is a replacement.  The lower tablet depicts a shield surrounded by finely detailed gilding, holding the words “S Willard’s Patent” in the red banner.  The brass side arms are typical of Willard’s style but are period replacements, and there is a period brass finial on top.  The backboard is one piece mahogany; the throat piece is held in place by two screws (replacements) just above the box.  Willard commonly secured the throat pieces with two or four screws.  The heavy iron dial holds the original paint and numbering; the back of the dial is unmarked, and Willard did not sign his dials.  The dial is held in place with two L-turns and two guide pins; the shaped iron hands are likely original.  The 8-day, time-only brass, weight-driven movement is mounted to the backboard by two diagonal fillister screws and seated on the case sides as they extend into the head, as was typical of Willard; other Willard characteristics include a T-bridge pendulum suspension with a trapezoidal keystone on the pendulum; a dead-beat escapement and a straight click pawl with a shaped end; and a pin through the lower left post to secure the weight cord.  There is a tapered lead weight with a “duck bill” hook and a large brass pulley, again typical of Simon Willard.  These and additional characteristics suggest that this is likely a later Willard clock and may have been made by his apprentices, either in his shop or on their own. 

The clock is running without issue. 

This clock sold at Cottone’s in 2023 for $11,000 ($13,200 with buyer’s premium), ex Stephen Wallace of Cheshire CT. Similar examples have sold at Schmitt Horan in 2022 for $17,000 ($20,400+ with buyer’s premium) and Selkirk Auctioneers for $23,000 ($28,750 with buyer's premium). 

There is no buyer’s premium and no sales tax on this sale (unless you live in Kentucky), and the price includes free blanket-wrap delivery to any location in the lower 48 states.