Classical Banjo Box Lyre Clock (Boston, Mass.)
A rare antique Boston school box-lyre timepiece with wood and eglomisé front, Boston, circa 1830-35.
This classical interpretation of the banjo clock is fashioned in the form of a lyre, an emblem associated with the major deity Apollo, chief muse and god of sun and light. This theme was a popular motif in neo-classical and empire timepieces. The lyre clock has a wonderfully carved floral finial above a turned wood bezel. The lyre-form throat panel has an acanthus leaf decoration around a wonderfully figured original mahogany panel. The pendulum door has a reverse painted panel with a patriotic American eagle with banner and shield on a red ground. The base of the lyre clock is mounted with a tapered bracket and acorn drop finial. Having both original, wood and glass panels, this clock represents the transition from the earlier painted glass panels to wooden panels found on later clocks. The brass movement is of eight day duration and is in fine running condition.
Dimensions
Height with finial: 41 1/2”; Width 10 1/2”; Depth 4”
Pricing
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