Lemuel Curtis (?), Concord, Mass., 8 day banjo or Patent time piece, c1815
The mahogany box on this banjo has an early feature in that is dovetailed together. This method of construction was abandoned not long after banjo time pieces came on the scene in favor of mitered corners and glue blocks. Both tablets are old with a lot of inpainting. Unusual side arms. Thick head is unusual as it is made up of four sections glued together and dovetailed into the center plinth. Hands are typical Curtis and are very old. Hour hand has been repaired. Step train with recoil escapement movement fastened to the case with screws on spacer blocks. The movement also has screw hole for fastening the movement to the case with a center screw, but it is not fastened that way. The type of crazing on the dial tends to indicate it is an old repaint; in any case the signature has likely been strengthened. Finial is not original. Ht 30 1/4"
Clock types
