1820s Aaron Willard Antique Banjo Clock Gilt Front

Description:

This rare and beautiful 1820's gilt presentation signed banjo clock, is in very nice condition especially for its age.

The dial is signed Aaron Willard Boston and seems like it could be an original Aaron Willard. Movement is not signed but that is the case with most Aaron Willard Clocks. That being said, there are many similarities with the movement of this clock and one signed Aaron Willard clock on pg.141 of American Banjo Clocks by Steven Petrucelli and Kenneth A. Sposato. Notice the notched keystone in the book and the one on this clock, they are the same.

The clock glasses do have some of the paint lifting but are in really good condition. The bottom is a dueling ship scene with lots of gold work and the throat glass is gold fancy scroll work and some of the colors from the bottom glass.

The original gilt work is in nice shape, age appropriate wear. Some of the balls have  very small amounts of gesso and gilt that has flaked off.

The movement does have a back center mount screw hole that looks worn out. Newer brass mounts have been installed at sometime in its life, and hold the movement perfectly.

The movement could use a cleaning but it comes with an original weight, pulley and pendulum. The dial is in very nice shape with a very good signature. It is iron or metal of some kind ( a magnet is attracted to it so it is not zinc) what you would expect from this time. It is held in place by three small "L" shaped holders. 

With all the gilt work and mahogany case it is a very handsome clock from the 1820's likely by Aaron Willard.

The clock is 41 inches tall 10.25 wide and 4 inches deep. 

A crank is included.