Eighteen Forties Banjo Clock by John Sawin, California
In the heart of 1840s Boston, clockmaker John Sawin and his partner Dyar breathed new life into a design that had captured the nation's attention over four decades earlier - the banjo clock. Originally patented by Simon Willard in 1802, the banjo clock was a groundbreaking timepiece known for its elegance, compactness, and innovative weight-driven movement.
Sawin's banjo clocks, while maintaining the traditional form, incorporated more ornate decorative elements and legal certifications, such as the warranted signature on the glass panels. These refinements reflected both aesthetic trends and commercial branding of the mid-19th century Boston clock industry.
The distinct characteristics of Sawin's 1840s Boston clock design include the John Sawin Banjo headpiece, carved out to resemble two crescent moons facing each other. The movement in the timepiece is attached to the case using brass ears in the upper right and lower left. The case, sourced from several casemakers in the Boston area, often featured painted glass tablets depicting scenes like Mount Vernon, a popular motif of the period.
In comparison, the original Simon Willard design of the banjo clock was characterised by a slim, elegant elongated case with a round dial, throat, and long lower box with reverse-painted tablets. The movement was compact and weight-driven, serving as a highly recognisable American style clock.
This comparison highlights how Sawin built on Willard’s iconic design while adapting it for the tastes and commercial environment of 1840s Boston. The price range for weight-driven banjo clocks is usually higher than that of lever escapement and spring-driven banjo clocks. However, a 181-year-old weight-driven banjo clock can be found for less than expected at a yard sale.
It's worth noting that the hour hand on unmarked circa 1840s banjo clocks can sometimes be loose, a phenomenon not commonly encountered in clock repair. The pendulum in the Sawin timepiece is placed in front of the weight for easy repair and regulation, and the pendulum has an oblong space for clear swing. The Sawin timepiece runs for 8 days due to a wider distance between the plates.
John Sawin was a prolific 1840s Boston clockmaker, and his banjo clocks, along with those produced by other notable clockmakers of the era, represent a significant chapter in the history of American clockmaking. Essentially, there are three types of mechanical banjo clocks: those with lever escapements, spring-driven ones, and weight-driven ones, each with their own unique characteristics and appeal.
References: [1] "Banjo Clocks: A Comprehensive Guide." The American Clock & Watch Museum, n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2023. .
Sawin's restored banjo clocks, being a blend of traditional design and enhanced decorative elements, are highly sought after by collectors of vintage clocks. In the realm of smart-home-devices and gadgets, these mechanical timepieces, rooted in technology from the 19th century, offer a unique fusion of old and new.
