Pursuit of a genuine banjo-inspired clock design

Seeking an antique banjo clock with a time mechanism driven by weight presents a challenge. Purchasing an authentic one would significantly enhance my collection. Obtaining an authentic Willard clock, in particular, would be the cherry on top. The design was frequently copied by other Willard...

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2025 August 31 . 2:50 PM

2 min read

Pursuit of a genuine banjo-inspired clock design

Authentic Simon Willard Banjo Clocks: A Timeless Piece of American Craftsmanship

In the early 19th century, Simon Willard, an American clockmaker, introduced a unique timepiece that would become a symbol of American ingenuity and craftsmanship – the banjo clock.

The Willard banjo clock, patented in 1802, is a wall clock characterized by its banjo-shaped case, a round opening for a painted dial, a long-waisted throat, and a rectangular box with a hinged door. The style was widely copied by other members of the Willard family and many other clock-makers, but it is the original Simon Willard banjo clocks that hold the most value for collectors.

Authentic Simon Willard banjo clocks are distinguished by their high-quality craftsmanship, original materials, and signature mechanical features developed by Simon Willard. The case is typically made of fine mahogany or other quality woods, with original gilding and decorative elements such as turned wooden finials, rope moldings, and cast brass eagles or finials.

The dial and glass are another hallmark of authentic Willard banjo clocks. An iron or brass dial usually features Roman numerals and gilded inner circles, behind a convex glass bezel that typically opens for winding.

The movement of an authentic Willard banjo clock is a weight-driven, eight-day movement designed by Willard himself, renowned for its precision and employing features like a maintaining power mechanism and a Geneva stop to regulate winding. The movement often bears Simon Willard's name, maker's marks, or specific stamped numbers authentic to his workshop.

One unique feature of authentic Willard banjo clocks is the reverse-painted tablets. The lower tablets commonly feature finely executed reverse-painted scenes or decorations, carefully preserved in originals.

Comparatively, copies made by other clockmakers often differ in construction quality, decorative details, and movement precision. The case materials may be lower quality wood or finishes, with gilding missing or applied poorly. The dials may have printed or less finely detailed dials, and the glass may be flat or a different style. The movements are often spring-driven or less sophisticated weight systems, rarely signed or numbered. Decorative elements may be simplified or generic, and painted tablets may lack detail or originality.

Later makers, such as the Waltham Clock Company, produced banjo clocks inspired by Willard’s design but can be identified by their own maker's marks and slightly different styling, often dating from late 19th or early 20th centuries. For example, a Waltham banjo clock retailed by Tiffany & Co. in circa 1925 had a mahogany case retaining original gilding, a carefully painted iron dial signed by the retailer, and a high-quality weight-driven movement with technical features distinct to Waltham.

In summary, authentic Simon Willard banjo clocks stand out for their historical craftsmanship, specific distinctive mechanical features, and detailed artistry, whereas copies often reveal themselves by material differences, simplified mechanics, lack of maker’s marks, and less refined decorative work. These rare and sought-after clocks continue to captivate collectors and admirers of American history and horology alike.

[1] Source: The NAWCC Bulletin