Museum housing historical willard house and antique clocks
In the realm of American horology, Simon Willard stands as a significant figure due to his pioneering work in constructing functional clocks in the United States. His innovative designs, which often incorporated wood, marked an important development in early American clockmaking[1].
The Willard House and Clock Museum in Grafton, Massachusetts, plays a pivotal role in preserving this rich legacy. This nonprofit institution is dedicated to maintaining the history and artefacts related to Simon Willard and his family's clockmaking. It serves as an essential cultural and educational resource, shedding light on the craftsmanship and historical impact of the Willard family's clocks on the American clock industry[3].
One of Simon Willard's most iconic creations is the banjo clock, a design that has been widely emulated by other clockmakers throughout the years. The museum's collection boasts a vast array of clocks, ranging from Massachusetts shelf clocks to Willard's famous banjo clocks[2].
The banjo clock comes in three types, with weight-driven ones being more expensive. A lever escapement banjo clock typically costs between $75 and $100, making it an affordable entry point for many collectors[4]. On the other hand, weight-driven banjo clocks, which are rarer, can cost significantly more. An unexpected find of a weight-driven banjo clock at a yard sale could prove to be a cost-effective treasure[5].
Spring-driven banjo clocks are slightly more expensive, with prices ranging between $100 and $200[6]. Acquiring an authentic Willard banjo clock would be a significant addition to any clock collector's collection.
Simon Willard was born in 1753 and spent his formative years in Grafton. He eventually moved to the Roxbury area to further the manufacture of quality clocks. His contributions to the clock industry were so profound that his name may not be immediately recognizable outside the United States, but he is regarded as an important source of innovative design[7].
The Willard family's influence on the clock industry extends beyond the banjo clock. Simon Willard produced approximately 4000 of his clocks, with the banjo clock being his most famous design[8]. The style was so popular that it was widely copied by other members of the Willard family.
In conclusion, Simon Willard's innovations and the Willard House and Clock Museum's preservation efforts underscore the importance of the Willard name in early American clockmaking history and its continued appreciation today.
[1] Simon Willard: A Brief History [2] Willard House and Clock Museum [3] The Willard House and Clock Museum [4] Lever Escapement Banjo Clock [5] Weight-Driven Banjo Clock at a Yard Sale [6] Spring-Driven Banjo Clock Pricing [7] Simon Willard: Early American Horologist [8] Simon Willard: The Clockmaker
The Willard House and Clock Museum in Grafton, Massachusetts, also showcases historical gadgets and technology, including vintage clocks like the banjo clock, which was a design patented by American horologist Simon Willard. Simon Willard's banjo clock designs have been a source of inspiration for many modern gadget makers, continuing to influence the realm of technology.
