Banjo Wall Clock, circa 1815

Summary

Simon Willard obtained a United States patent in 1802 for a compact wall timepiece. Willard's clocks were accurate and dependable--and economical to produce. He permitted family, associates, and other manufacturers to make clocks based on his original design. Others copied the style. Banjo clocks, nicknamed for their characteristic shape, remained popular throughout the nineteenth century.

Simon Willard obtained a United States patent in 1802 for a compact wall timepiece. Willard's clocks were accurate and dependable--and economical to produce. He permitted family, associates, and other manufacturers to make clocks based on his original design. Others copied the style. Banjo clocks, nicknamed for their characteristic shape, remained popular throughout the nineteenth century.

Artifact

Banjo Clock

Date Made

circa 1815

Creators

Willard, Aaron, 1783-1864 

Place of Creation

United States, New Hampshire, Concord 

Creator Notes

Attributed to Aaron Willard and made in Concord, New Hampshire.

Henry Ford Museum
 On Exhibit

at Henry Ford Museum in Made in America

Object ID

00.4.491

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Steel (Alloy)
Brass (Alloy)
Wood (Plant Material)

Color

Gold (Color)
White (Color)
Black (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 32.75 in

Width: 10 in

Diameter: 4 in

Inscriptions

On glass: PAT/WILLARD/ENT On dial: AARON WILLARD/BOSTON

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