Lyre Banjo Wall Clock

The lyre style of banjo clock developed in Boston, most notably by John Sawin, in the second quarter of the 19th century, and was popular with New York makers. This particular configuration was popular around 1830. It was squatter than previous models while the throat frame was longer. The flat bottom indicates that they were made to be either hung on the wall or placed on a shelf. This fine example has elegant stringing, a lenticle for viewing the pendulum, carved rosettes and an eagle finial on top. The silvered thermometer mounted on the throat of the case is signed Chas. Poole, New York.

Charles Poole is most likely the retailer rather than the clockmaker. Apparently one particular casemaker produced all of the cases in this style and then sold them for assembly by various retailers.