Condition: Very good with only the most minor imperfections
Additional Information: A fine example of a Simon Willard banjo clock and dates to about 1808-10.
Decorative frames such as these are extremely uncommon and add much visual appeal to the clock. We
handled a similar example many years ago but have only seen a few others. The lunette inlay relates to the
work of the Seymour cabinet shop [Boston], craftsmen who are known to have made cases for many
Willard clocks. The case contains T-bridge, through-bolted Willard type movement. The dial in nice
condition, with minor touch-up to the numerals and possibly the inner black line (which we think was added,
as this model usually does not have that line). Both glasses are very handsome. They are original with
acceptable minor touch-up and scattered losses that do not distract. The weight and pendulum are both
period and appear original. The period finial is of appropriate form and is likely original. The case was long-
ago refinished and appears to have had a dark finish at some point. Minor adjustment has been made to
the inside lower frame to compensate for shrinkage which we can make perfect. The case displays very
nice color and patina.
This is a gorgeous clock! We are confident that it is an excellent clock for the money, a handsome
timepiece at a very fair price. These do not often present themselves at auction with original glasses,
making it is difficult to track auction prices. Most examples have replaced or repainted glasses and sell for
much less. A Simon Willard with comparable glasses, was sold a year ago at Sotheby’ s. It was made a few
years later and featured a more desirable case, with exceptional carved finial and lower bracket… it sold for
$37,500.00, an indication of how collectors appreciate good glasses. That which was sold by Skinner
[Crom Collection] in 2009, lot 118… sold for $47,400.00
Mahogany case…throat glass (eglomise) is original, the reverse painted tablet within pendulum box
doorframe is restored…the gilding appears to be original. The dial was likely restored during the 19th
century. These timepieces by Bailey rarely if ever present themselves for sale. (Height to finial: 34.5")
Dunning (1795-1841) was born in Brunswick, Maine, he began his career in Concord, Massachusetts in partnership with Lemuel Curtis, where they produced many fine clocks. The pair moved to Burlington, Vermont in 1821, where Dunning continued his career after the partnership dissolved in 1832.
Mahogany case, outstanding wood selection, flat moldings joined by corner blocks enclosing the crotch mahogany tablets in the throat and door, brass bezel and side arms; painted iron dial signed below the center arbor; J.N. Dunning, Roman numerals. Brass eight-day, timepiece, weight-driven and regulated by a pendulum. Gilt finial likely replaced, else fine. (Very good original condition; 34 by 10")
This attractive banjo clock features a rare alarm movement with outside bell mounted at the crest. The frames each contain magnificent original painted glass tablets in exceptional condition. The throat glass is exceptional with outstanding and important foliate and scroll motif with fanciful flourishes above a basket of fruit and the word "patent: within a scroll festooned with Rocco style decoration...the red, gold, blue and sepia decoration is all the more forceful against the mustard ground. The lower glass is decorated with the deity Aurora driving a team of winged horses, within a gilt border against the conforming mustard ground. Note the definition of Aurora's face and the incredible detail of the chariot as related to color and fancy ornamentation. The chariot is positioned before a powerful explosion of light rays and roiling clouds as it floats on ethereal clouds that ground the composition.
The movement is signed with a die stamp at the upper right on the front plate "A. Willard Jr / Boston". Very few movements are signed. The case retains a dry surface with fine old patina. Height Overall 32 1/8"
The original brass movement has been serviced and is in good running order. The alarm mechanism has been expertly restored. The alarm hand and weight are replaced with exact copies from original examples. The bell is period but not original to this clock. The original dial has restoration to the infield.
270-69 - SOLD
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