The antique lighthouse clock is an extremely rare and unique clock form developed by Simon Willard of Roxbury (Boston), MA in the 1820's. It was created to offer an alarm mechanism in a high-style table or shelf clock.
Originally known as the "Patent Alarum Timepiece", they have become known as Lighthouse Clocks, for their obvious similarities. Manufactured in the Classical style, the cases are quite varied and can be paint and stencil decorated or mahogany with decorative gilt brass mounts.
Very few Willard antique lighthouse clocks survive and it is thought that fewer than one hundred examples of this highly sought-after form remain.
Click to learn about other early American clock styles.