Gilded Rope Front Presentation Timepiece, Made By the Waltham Clock Co. Circa 1918

This Federal Massachusetts improved timepiece, known as a "Banjo clock," is an exquisite example of early 20th-century American horology, produced by the Waltham Clock Company around 1918. The clock's construction is rooted in a tradition of excellence, featuring a mahogany case adorned with original gilding. The gilded elements, including the outside edge of the backboard, the large cast eagle finial, the bezel, side arms, frames, rope decoration, and the presentation bracket, are in excellent condition, showcasing the clock's craftsmanship. The presentation bracket is particularly notable, embellished with eight turned wooden balls and twisted brass rope inset in the frames that enhance the clock's ornate aesthetic.
The reverse-painted tablets, painted by the artist D. J. Steele, are a testament to this piece's high artistry. The vibrant colors and intricate design reflect exceptional skill and attention to detail. The throat glass displays an elaborate floral pattern, while the lower tablet vividly depicts the famous naval battle between the USS Constitution and HMS Guerriere during the War of 1812. This battle, a significant American victory, saw the USS Constitution, commanded by Isaac Hull, triumph over Captain James R. Dacres’ Guerriere off the coast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. This historical scene adds a layer of narrative significance to the clock and features a unique American shield design that allows a view of the pendulum's motion. Steele’s signature on the tablet's lower left corner further authenticates the piece's artistic provenance.
Daniel J. Steele was undoubtedly one of his day's most talented twentieth-century ornamental glass painters. It's obvious when comparing his signed tablets to unsigned examples in similar clocks. His legacy includes highly detailed reverse-painted glasses used by the Waltham Clock Co. and Walter H. Durfee in their banjo clocks. Today, examples with his signed glasses elevate the value of the clock. The most seasoned collectors of Waltham and Durfee clocks highly covet those examples with Steele tablets.
The clock's brass bezel is fitted with convex glass, which opens to reveal a painted iron dial. The dial is elegantly designed with Roman hour numerals and a gilt-lined inner circle. It features the Maker’s name, "WALTHAM," in small block lettering.
At the heart of this Banjo clock is its weight-driven movement, designed to run for eight days on a full wind. The movement features damascene plates, maintaining power, and a Geneva Stop winding mechanism. The front plate, die-stamped with the Maker’s name and numbered “6823,” indicates its production date between 1914 and 1922. The clock's exceptional craftsmanship and historical and artistic significance make it a remarkable and valuable piece for collectors and horology enthusiasts.
Length 43 1/2 " Width 10 1/2" Depth 4"
Inventory 224097