Banjo Clock, Made by Aaron Willard, circa 1810

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.