Patent Timepiece, c.1810
Simon Willard
Roxbury, Massachusetts
Simon Willard was granted a patent for this unique style of clock in 1802. The timepiece was an instant success and reflected a truly "American design that had no European counterpart.
The clock has an eight-day, brass, weight-driven movement. It retailed for thirty dollars which was about half the price of a tallcase clock from the same era, but still very substantial amount of money for the day. Today these clocks are also referred to as "Banjo Clocks" and "Improved Timepieces."
Donated by James W. Gibbs, FNAWCC #79
81.48.3