Brunk Auctions
Live Auction

Collection of Jean and Jim Barrow | May 20, 2023

Sat, May 20, 2023 09:00AM EDT
Lot 36

Very Fine Simon Willard Federal Inlaid Banjo Clock

Estimate: $12,000 - $18,000

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $25
$100 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000

Boston, ca. 1805, attributed to the shop of John and Thomas Seymour, with gilt finial over circular white painted dial, with Roman chapter ring, original throat and base eglomise panels with fine painting and gilding, the lower panel inscribed "S. Willard's," 33 x 10 x 3-1/2 in.

Note: Accompanied by a Milly McGehee invoice with extensive notes from Robert Mussey outlining the quality and rarity of this example. 

McGehee notes record that Mussey "considers this clock one of the four or five finest of this early patent timepiece he has encountered. The clock retains all of its original eglomise painting on both the throat and lower case glass panels; additionally, the white painted dial numerals are original."

Condition

very fine condition overall. Fragile dial paint with crackle and scattered retouch and some small losses. The McGehee invoice records that the works have had only minor typical repairs such as the replacement of bushings. The brass finial is period but probably not the original. The repairs to the case are also minor. They include: the side of the case near the latch, small holes in the bottom board where perhaps a support bracket existed at some point, a replaced door latch, repairs to the top rear of the frame of the throat glass, and two small glue blocks on the inside. The works were cleaned and oiled and other minor conservation executed by Robert Mussey. 

 

The 2 holes in the front of the movement were added by a clock repairman in order to view the functioning of the escapement. Some small screws have been added to secure the backboard to the drum head and sides.

Milly McGehee purchased October 31, 2004 (accompanied by original invoice and write-up);
Collection of Jean and Jim Barrow