The Great American Banjo Clock Americas First Wall Clock

The Great American Banjo Clock Americas First Wall Clock

The advent of the pendulum clock and the initial development of modern watches in Europe coincided with the British colonization of North America. In addition, the British colonies were home to a number of important natural philosophers such as Benjamin Franklin, who had an interest in scientific developments, as well as a wealth of artisans who sought money in new developments, including watches.

Although artisans in Massachusetts, began building clocks in the eighteenth century, most of his creations were clones of European models until 1802, when one of these artisans patented the American banjo clock. This was the first truly American clock, which launched a trend in watch innovation, which continues to this day. Nineteenth Century American Banjo clocks have significant value as collector's items, replicas cheap, but are also available.

At the time of its introduction, the American Banjo clock was known as the clock improved, with references banjo being added later because of the similarity between the clock and musical instrument. The basic design is geometric in nature. A circle on top of the clock has the clock face, below which there is a trapezoidal shape that serves as the throat of the clock. Deep throat is the smallest box that is rectangular. Most watches American Banjo lacked any form of strike or chime mechanism, so only the time as your face, which was unusual for the period.

Most of the original American Banjo clocks were mostly made of mahogany wood that was imported to New England from the West Indies and used local pine and chestnut trees in secondary forest. The mechanism of the clock itself was made mostly of metal, steel and brass, in particular. Most of the outer surface of the watch was surrounded by glass.

One of the main features of the wall clock American Banjo was the use of decorative glass plates, which gave the clock a distinct look. These glass plates and tablets had more in common with the production of writers and painters involved several different styles of drawing sets, including a detailed work and semicircles. These drawings were done on an engraved gold leaf and are designed to work with softly colored backgrounds that gave the finished piece a subtle beauty and unique never seen before in the manufacture of the clock.

Authentic American Banjo hand craft clocks are still made today and there is a robust market for old antique clocks banjo too. The price range varies greatly, depending on when the clock was made, its current state, and who is the manufacturer. New American Banjo clocks can be found for around $ 200, while the older ones can cost many thousands of dollars.

Rod Macbeth worked in electrical trade for over 35 years and has vast knowledge in most every area. From residential to heavy industrial. He is in the process of building a website for homeowners and welcomes all matters electrical.