1840 Antique Banjo Clock by John Sawin Banned for Reasons Unknown
In the realm of early American clockmaking, two names stand out prominently - John Sawin and Simon Willard. Both were active during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, contributing significantly to the development of distinctive American timepieces.
Simon Willard is renowned for his patent on the "banjo clock", an elegant, compact, and precise design that was ahead of its time. John Sawin, a contemporary working in the same period, created timepieces that embodied the craftsmanship and innovation typical of early American clocks.
Both makers shared a preference for traditional wood cases with painted or brass dials, reflecting the aesthetic preferences of the period. Their clocks often featured similar movement types, such as weight-driven or spring-driven mechanisms suitable for wall or shelf clocks.
One of the key similarities between the two can be seen in the case style and dial features. For instance, the John Sawin Banjo headpiece, carved out and resembling two crescent moons facing each other, bears a striking resemblance to the aesthetic choices made in Willard's banjo clocks.
Moreover, the Sawin timepiece, like many of Willard's designs, uses a weight-driven mechanism, with a simplified and reliable time-only movement. The calculation of the train in the Sawin timepiece is a result of shortening the pendulum, a technique also employed in some of Willard's patented designs.
Interestingly, the Sawin timepiece shares some unique features with Willard's patented timepiece, such as the oblong space in the pendulum for clear swing and the placement of the pendulum and guide in front of the movement.
However, it's worth noting that by the 1830s, movement construction had become so generic that it was difficult to identify the maker. This, coupled with the absence of identifying markings on the Sawin timepiece, suggests it may have been made by an associate or apprentice of John Sawin.
Despite these similarities, specific technical or artistic similarities between John Sawin's timepieces and Simon Willard's patented models cannot be detailed here due to a lack of direct search data. For a precise comparison, consulting specialized horology references or museum collections would be necessary.
John Sawin, a prolific 1840s Boston clockmaker, is known for his innovative designs and attention to detail. The Sawin timepiece, with its minimum number of wheels for simplicity, push-pin catches on the bezel and lower access doors, and acorn top finial, is a testament to his craftsmanship.
In conclusion, while the exact similarities between John Sawin's and Simon Willard's timepieces may not be evident at first glance, a closer look reveals a shared tradition of innovative design and a commitment to creating precise, elegant, and functional timepieces.
In contrast to the old, the interest in vintage clocks like John Sawin's timepiece has emerged in recent times, often requiring clock repair for proper functioning. This revival also extends to smart-home devices that incorporate gadgets, such as WiFi-enabled clocks, demonstrating the ongoing fascination with timekeeping technology.
Simultaneously, the repair and conservation of these antique clocks serve as a reminder of the craftsmanship and innovation embodied in works from early American clockmakers like John Sawin and Simon Willard, whose contributions to clock repair and development remain significant and influential in the realms of technology and horology.
