Bow Front Mahogany Banjo Clock, c. 1820-25
Curtis & Dunning
Concord, Massachusetts (1816-1821)
Burlington, Vermont (1821-1832)
Lemuel Curtis and Joseph Nye Dunning began their partnership in Concord, Massachusetts around 1816. They remained in Concord for about five years before moving to Burlington, Vermont. Like other New England makers, Curtis and Dunning made variations of the Willard Improved Timepiece. In both locations they produced fine wall clocks in the Banjo, Lyre and the very fancy gilded Girandole designs. As partners it is believed Curtis and Dunning actually patented the Girandole Clock design.
This clock was most likely made after Curtis and Dunning had moved to Burlington. The plain mahogany bow front case was just one of the many variations found in their designs. In 1821 they advertised in the Burlington NORTHERN SENTINEL that they were manufacturing "all kinds of eight-day and brass clocks, and timepieces for Meeting houses, banks, parlors, and other rooms." In 1827 they advertised eight day timepieces "with mahogany and gilt cases $23.00 to $35.00 each".
Curtis and Dunning operated what was a forerunner of the modern jewelry store. Along with clocks they sold solid silverware (of their own manufacture), military items, shell combs, looking glasses, and jewelry made of pearl, paste, and jet. In 1830 they announced that they were leaving the jewelry business behind to concentrate solely on clockmaking. The partnership of Curtis and Dunning was dissolved in 1832.
Purchased with Museum Acquisition Funds
CASE
- Mahogany cased eight day timepiece with acorn finial.
- Laminated wood bezel with original convex glass.
- The lower box is dovetailed at the top and bottom corners.
- The wood frames are cross banded mahogany with blind mortise and tenon construction.
- The decorative wood panels are bowed crotch mahogany.
MOVEMENT
- Eight day movement with brass wheels and plates, cut steel pinions with a recoil escapement.
- Step train wheel layout, steel pendulum crutch. Lead weight with a large duck-bill hook.
- Brass pulley.
- Steel pierced loop hands - Curtis style, four loops on the hour hand and five on the minute hand.