A Victorian brass mounted and inlaid walnut banjo clock, Probably European, mid 19th Century
11 May 2025
Description

Not currently keeping time but so old I don’t want to wind. There are no clear maker markings. Hand painted under glass but starting to flake. I can send pics.

Dimensions

12.5 inches high x 5.25 inches wide x 2.5 inches deep

Acquired from
Inherited
For sale
Yes
Answered within 1 day
By Delia
May 13, 12:02 UTC
Fair Market Value
$75 - $100 USD
Suggested Asking Price $125 USD
What does this mean?

Hi KM,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
This is a banjo clock, a type of wall clock that originated in the United States around 1800, and it's named for its shape, which resembles a banjo. It typically features a round dial at the top, a long, narrow trunk, and a wider rectangular base, often with decorative elements and reverse-painted glass panels.
While signed American banjo clocks can bring five and six figures if made by some of the most important makers, this appears to be a later Continental/European example,
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A Victorian brass mounted and inlaid walnut banjo clock
Probably European, mid 19th Century
The circular head with acorn finial and circular brass-mounted hinged glass door opening to a white enamel dial with Arabic numeral chapter rings, flaring trapezoidal neck with glass panel and C-scroll supports, over a box base with eglomise (reverse-painted) panel depicting boats on the water.
12-1/2 inches high
CONDITION: Not in working condition, with some losses to eglomise panel and cracking to the face.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$75-100*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia

K m May 14, 15:11 UTC

Hi - My husband says yes because they took it to a clock repair place and it was repaired previously. He said the receipt should be inside, but I'm hesitant to unscrew and take anything off the back because it is so old, and I don't have experience handling clocks.

Delia May 15, 10:43 UTC

Thanks, you're all set. If you find out you have the weights and pendulum, please let me know and I'll update this appraisal at no charge.
Have a great weekend,
Delia

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