Simon Willard's Banjo Clocks
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Simon Willard's Banjo Clocks (Willard Patent Timepiece, Improved Timepiece) were compact clock models which were destined to be wall-fastened. Simon Willard invented this popular model which revolutionized the early American clock industry, with both its compactness and its relatively low price. It was patented in 1801. Willard produced this model at his Boston workshop.
It is worth noting that Simon Willard himself never referred to this type of clock as a "banjo clock", but called it his "improved patent time piece". In the strict sense of the word the term "clock" refers only to a striking timekeeper, and therefore - especially in Willard's time - these artifacts were known as timepieces and not as clocks.
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[edit] Invention
At Grafton, Massachusetts, Simon developed his first Banjo Clock which was registered much later in 1801. This precursor was called the Grafton Wall Clock. It was based on the traditional shelf clock. Similarly, this precursor was spring powered, and it had eight days autonomy by its brass mechanism.
Initially, Simon Willard’s main economical support stemmed from the Tall Clock production but he didn't produce these models longer after 1802 when he patented his Banjo clock and this invention became Simon's main sustenance. Tough, Simon Willard preferred rather to build special great clock models which have had historical significance indeed, whether in galleries, churches, and the like.
[edit] Specifications
Simon Willard based the design for his Banjo Clock on traditional English Wheel Barometers. Since Willard patented the timepiece, always the successful design remained as it was originally.
The patented brass movement was weight-driven, and it had eight days autonomy. The pendulum was attached frontally. Commonly, the clocks were surrounded by glass tablets which were reversely painted with neoclassical themes.
By its reduced physical specifications, the Banjo Clock's manufacturing costs were low. Additionally, being fixed to the wall these models were not prone to unfortunate occurrences. Instead, such as the Shelf Clock, other home models finished usually smashed by common people.
[edit] Patent
Until 1801, Simon Willard hadn't realized that he should have already patented his Banjo Clock. Personally, President Thomas Jefferson urged him to do this so Willard filed his request on November 25, 1801.
The legal document was both bestowed and published on February 8, 1802. It was inked by President Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State James Madison, and Attorney General Levi Lincoln. The patent would expire in 1816.
The Banjo Clock was a massive success which was extensively manufactured by all Willard's competing clockmakers either legally or illegally. However Simon Willard didn't claim the corresponding royalties ever.
[edit] Commercialization
After appearing in the market, the Banjo Clock was immediately successful. Soon it became the most famous clock model in the young United States of America. Indeed, the Banjo Clock was a clock model which was 100%-American.
Although costing 30 dollars the Banjo Clock was still expensive, however this was half of the traditional Tall Clocks' price.
[edit] Expanded Versions
Explicitly, the Banjo Clock's patent stated that both the face and the case could be magnified. Thus, amplifying the original model Willard built many large gallery clocks whose movements were similar to the domestic ones.
Later, since 1820 almost for twenty years Willard applied the design also in large machinery regulators. However these models had some accuracy problems which were due to their too big pendulums.
[edit] Trivia
- Several clockmakers avoided the Banjo Clock patent by manufacturing altered designs, either at the pendulum or at the case.
- The Willard brothers revolutionized the clock manufacturing by both labor division and using multiple previously molded parts. However, it is commonly accepted that historically their clocks weren't definitively popular. Instead, Eli Terry popularized the clock ownership among common American people.
- Nowadays, Simon Willard's clocks are recognized as American masterpieces. As such they are avidly sought by both antiquarians and museums. In mint conditions a Simon Willard's clock is usually sold from $50,000 up to $250,000.
- Indeed, nowadays from all Willard Brothers' clocks, Simon Willard's much finer ones reap the largest bids in auctions.
- In January 24, 2003, with its American Design Series the US Postal Service issued a commemorative 10 cent stamp which remembered Simon Willard. The stamp featured a Banjo Clock's dial which was drawn by the artist Lou Nolan.
