Identification

American Federal Style Mahogany Banjo Clock with Eglomise Panels

Photo reference

5 uploaded photos

Overview

The item is a classic American banjo wall clock featuring a mahogany case, brass side arms, an acorn finial, and reverse-painted (eglomise) glass panels depicting a patriotic eagle.

Story

The banjo clock is a distinctly American form, patented by Simon Willard in 1802. It became a staple of Federal-era decor, with production continuing throughout the 19th century by numerous New England makers. Without a signature on the dial or movement, this piece is currently attributed as an unsigned 19th-century example in the traditional Federal style. The market for antique American clocks is highly stratified. Master-crafted, signed Federal period clocks command strong premiums from dedicated horology collectors.

Maker / Origin

Unattributed

Condition & Value

Based on the provided description, the mahogany case, brass side arms, and acorn finial appear intact and present well. The eglomise (reverse-painted) panels showing the patriotic eagle are a strong visual asset, though their originality cannot be confirmed without close inspection.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The market for antique American clocks is highly stratified. Master-crafted, signed Federal period clocks command strong premiums from dedicated horology collectors. Unsigned or later 19th-century examples trade primarily as decorative Americana, where visual appeal—particularly patriotic eglomise panels—drives demand. Prices for unsigned examples have softened over the last decade, making them accessible entry points for traditional interior decorators.

Value Drivers

▲ Classic American banjo form with highly desirable patriotic eagle eglomise panels.

▲ Mahogany case with traditional brass side arms and acorn finial presents well.

▲ Auction comps for unsigned 19th-century examples establish a solid $400-$800 floor.

Concerns

▼ Lack of a visible maker's mark prevents access to the $2,000+ collector tier.

▼ Unverified working condition; non-functioning movements deter decorative buyers.

▼ Originality of the eglomise panels is unconfirmed; later replacements lower value.

Comparable Sales

10 comps

Research found these market references. Links marked source unverified were not automatically confirmed, but are included as starting points.

1stDibs· listed

$1,200

Federal Mahogany Banjo Clock With 2 Eglomise Panels & Eagle Finial C1860

Case Auctions· 2018-10-06

$576

Federal style Banjo Clock

Marion Antique Auctions

$2,300

Aaron Willard Banjo Clock

Tremont Auctions search· 2026-05-31· source unverified

$400

Elnathan Taber banjo clock with half round moldings and a patriotic image of Perry's Victory, circa

Invaluable search· 2024-11-09· source unverified

$750

AMERICAN FEDERAL PERIOD BANJO CLOCK

Estate Treasures Auction search· 2021-07-21· source unverified

$550

Eglomise and Parcel-Gilt Mahogany Banjo Clock

Charlton Hall Auctions search· 2020-10-16· source unverified

$1,000

Federal carved giltwood and eglomise banjo clock, Aaron Willard

Neal Auction Company search· 2011-02-12· source unverified

$2,032

A Federal Mahogany and Églomisé Banjo Clock, c.

Leland Little Auctions· 2019-07-20

$280

Antique Seth Thomas Eglomise Banjo Clock

Marion Antique Auctions

$850

Foster Campos Banjo Clock, Early 20th Century, Pembroke, MA, After S. Willard's Pattern, Brass Eagle Finial

Showing the strongest 10 comps here. 3 more remain in the report data.

Best Venue

List with a regional auction house specializing in Americana or antique clocks (e. g., Skinner, Fontaine's, or Marion Antique Auctions). Prior to consignment, have a clockmaker or specialist inspect the brass movement plates for hidden maker's stamps and verify if the eglomise panels are original. If selling locally or online as a decorative piece, an asking price of $800–$1,000 leaves room for negotiation.

Upside Potential

If a specialist inspection of the movement reveals a stamp from a recognized master maker (such as Aaron or Simon Willard), and the eglomise panels are confirmed as period-original, the value could shift into the $1,500–$2,500 collector tier.

Authenticity Risk

medium

While the clock form itself is authentic, banjo clocks were heavily reproduced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and eglomise panels are frequently repainted or replaced. Without inspecting the movement hardware and glass aging, there is a moderate risk that this is a later 19th or early 20th-century revival piece rather than a true Federal-period antique.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 4 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

Flying Pig Auctions· 2021-03-16
Nineteenth Century banjo clock by Boston clockmaker John Sawin
Link could not be verified.
$3,750
Schmitt Horan & Co.· 2018-05-19
Daniel Pratt & Sons, Boston, Mass., 8 day, weight driven, brass movement wall timepiece
Link could not be verified.
$2,200
Pook & Pook Inc
Federal mahogany banjo clock
Link could not be verified.
$400
Schmitt Horan & Co.· 2019-05-18
george D. hatch, North Attleboro, Mass., 8 day, weight driven brass movement patent or banjo timepiece
Excerpt describes a 'Keyhole' hanging clock in softwood, which is a different form and material.
$300