Although craftsmen in Massachusetts began building clocks in the eighteenth century, most of their creations were clones of European designs until 1802, when one of these craftsmen patented the American banjo clock. This was the first truly American clock that launched a trend in American clock innovation that continues to this day. Nineteenth century American Banjo clocks have significant value as collector’s items today, but inexpensive replicas are also available.

At the time of its introduction, the American Banjo clock was known as the Improved Timepiece, with the banjo references being added later because of the similarity between the clock and the musical instrument. The basic design is geometrical in nature. A circle at the top of the clock features the clock face, below which there is a trapezoid which serves as the clock’s throat. At the bottom of the throat is a lower box that is rectangular. Most American Banjo clocks lacked any form of striking or chiming mechanism, so only indicated the time by its face, which was unusual for the period.

Most original American Banjo clocks were made primarily of mahogany wood that was imported to New England from the West Indies and used local pine and chestnut for the secondary woods. The clock mechanism itself was mostly made of metal, steel and brass in particular. Most of the exterior surface of the clock was surrounded by glass.

One of the key features of the American Banjo wall clock was the use of ornamental glass plates, which gave the clock a distinctive appearance. These glass plates and tablets had more in common with the produce of engravers than painters and involved several different styles of geometric design including detailed line work and semicircles. These engraved designs were done on a gold leaf base and were designed to work with gently colored backgrounds that gave the finished piece a subtle and unique beauty not seen previously in clock manufacture.

Authentic hand craft American Banjo clocks are still made today and there is a robust market of older antique banjo clocks as well. The price range differs widely depending on when the clock was made, its current condition, and who manufactured it. New American Banjo wall clocks can be found for around $200, while older antique ones can cost many thousands of dollars.