The American Banjo clock — often just called a banjo clock — got its name from the shape of its case, which resembles a banjo musical instrument. Although the design was patented in 1802 by Simon Willard, a renowned clockmaker from Roxbury, Massachusetts, Willard referred to his invention as the “Improved Timepiece,” not a banjo … More Echoes of an Unknown Maker: A Banjo Clock’s Journey Through Time
Allow me to take 5 minutes of your time to watch my video of 19 wall clocks in my collection. Each wall clock is identified by its maker, where known. The video features background music throughout, with a brief segment of sound highlighting the winding of a Mauthe wall clock. Otherwise, there is no dialog. … More My Antique Wall Clock Collection: A Quick YouTube Tour
While many might not initially favour the idea of having a ticking mechanical clock in their bedrooms, its presence can actually offer significant benefits. Let me elaborate on why. Before I go further let me say I understand that some individuals may find the ticking sound disruptive to their sleep. The therapeutic value of having … More Having a ticking clock in a bedroom may be the answer to a restless night
The clock is one of man’s greatest achievements. The development of instruments to tell time is the unwavering toil of brilliant minds from many disciplines who, for over 800 years, worked tirelessly to create, innovate, and improve methods for telling the time. Horology is not only the study of time but the synergy of art, … More Milestones in Horology
Approximately two years ago, I stumbled upon a weight-driven banjo clock listed on Facebook Marketplace. Before finalizing the purchase, I engaged in a conversation with the seller, who appeared to have limited knowledge about the clock’s value. The clock was among several items that the seller’s family was parting with, and it was evident that … More Getting a stubborn hand to fit correctly on an hour wheel
Tick-Talk Tuesday is about the letters and comments I have received from readers concerning clock issues, challenges faced, a clock you would profiled or advice on your particular clock concern. For those comments and questions that stump even me, I consult within my clock circles for the best possible answer TM writes, “We have had … More Tick Talk Tuesday #43 – Is this a Simon Willard banjo clock?
The hour hand is loose on my unmarked circa 1840s banjo clock. It is an unusual problem and I can’t say I have ever come across an issue like this in my years of clock repair. It is supposed to friction fit on the hour pipe but the hand is definitely quite loose. I have … More Repairing a loose hour hand on a weight-driven banjo
This banjo clock project has been an ongoing challenge for nearly a year, a very enjoyable one that has taught me so much. The movement has been serviced, 4 new bushings installed, the case has been cleaned, veneer issues addressed on the two bottom corners, a new post was made for the final, dial glass … More Sawin banjo clock – wood dial bezel fix
I have written about this clock several times in the past 10 months but I am making good progress which I will detail in this article. This is how it arrived at my house last spring, dull and lifeless but with good bones and most everything original. First, some background information about the clock. This … More Sawin banjo clock – almost done, 3 more items to address
Weight-driven banjo clocks have simple time-only movements that are very reliable. They can be unadorned like the one I acquired or garish almost to excess like a presentation timepiece. Authenticity can be a challenge since some presentation timepieces started life as simple wooden cases and decorative tablets, finials, sidearms and other items were added later … More Sawin banjo clock movement servicing – two issues arose later
There are basically three types of banjo clocks with mechanical movements. Those with lever escapements which are usually in the $75 to $100 range, spring-driven ones that are generally $100 to around $300 and up but weight-driven banjo clocks occupy the upper end of the range and are normally between $300-$500 in fair condition and … More Restoration work on a 181 year old weight driven banjo clock
John Sawin was a prolific 1840s Boston clockmaker and many of his clocks have survived to this day. The Key features of the Sawin timepiece share many of the attributes of the original Simon Willard Patented Timepiece. They are: No striking parts reducing the number of wheels to a minimum for simplicity, Making the distance … More John Sawin banjo clock CA 1840
Yes, a weight-driven banjo clock for a surprisingly low price! There are essentially three types of mechanical banjo clocks. Those with lever escapements are usually in the $75 to $100 range, spring driven ones are $100 to around $200 and up but weight-driven banjo clocks occupy the higher end of the range and normally cost … More Yard sale find – a 181-year-old weight driven banjo clock for less than you think
Once the Sessions Clock Co acquired E. N. Welch assets in 1902 (for the history of E. N. Welch go here) the company was well on its way to becoming one of the biggest clock producers in America. Production began in 1903 and between that time and 1933 Sessions produced 52 models of mechanical clocks, … More Sessions Lexington Banjo Clock: 1928
Searching for a weight driven time-only banjo clock can be a challenge and acquiring an authentic example would go a long way to completing my collection. Securing an authentic Willard would certainly be the icing on the cake. The style was widely copied by other members of the Willard family of clock makers and many … More The quest for an authentic banjo clock
Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks 
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