​​One of Boston, Massachusetts's most prolific clockmakers, Aaron Willard, Jr., made this extraordinary wood-front timepiece, which retains its original script signature, circa 1820. This type of clock is known as a time and alarm, meaning it has an alarm feature in addition to keeping time. Finding timepieces in such superb original condition from this period is increasingly challenging.

This handsome banjo clock is commonly known as a "wood front" because the bottom panel and throat are mahogany rather than the traditional reverse-painted glasses typically seen on this type of clock. On Boston wood front banjos, half-round moldings often frame the wood panels. Wooden panels and half-round moldings fell into fashion circa 1817-1830 due in part to their simplicity. 

This clock’s superb case features wildly figured mahogany in both panels. The brass sidearms Aaron Willard, Jr. used most often went right to the sides of the case with a distinctive scroll at the bottom, as seen in this example.

A brass weight-driven alarm movement is heard on the bell that surmounts the top. The alarm mechanism is incorporated between the movement plates and requires a separate drive weight. This weight is a sliver of lead and is guided through a narrow channel in the throat of the case to the left of the time weight, which has its original Willard-style duckbill hook. A mahogany plinth supports the bell and replaces the finial. Overall, the movement is of excellent quality, typical of this Maker. 

The original dial has bold Roman numerals and a script signature with a working location and number. Paul Foley, author of "Willard's Patent Time Pieces," attributes this unique script signature to ornamental artist Charles Bullard, who worked with the Willards. It reads Aaron Willard, Jr. Boston No. 1929. Two elegantly hand-filed steel barbed hands show the time, and the third brass hand is for the alarm.

Aaron Willard Jr. learned clockmaking from his father, Aaron Willard Senior. In 1823, he took over his father's business and produced various clock styles, including tall cases, banjo, shelf, and tower clocks.

Aaron Jr. was the most prolific maker of the patent timepiece. He learned the trade as a member of our country’s most famous clockmaking family: the Willards. Aaron Jr.'s Uncle, Simon Willard, patented the timepiece design in 1802. This U.S. Patent, signed by President Thomas Jefferson, gave Simon fourteen years to produce this form exclusively. Simon's newly engineered wall-hanging timepiece changed the clock market quickly because of its compact size and reliability as an accurate eight-day timekeeper. It was a less expensive alternative to the tall case clock and, as a result, became very popular.

Inventory 223220

Dimensions: Length 32 1/4"Width 10" Depth 3 1/2"

Price $7,500