Sold Wall Clocks

Ted Burleigh Gold FrontPresentation Bride's Banjo Clock. In 1970 after years of gold leaf restoration and reverse glass painting as a hobby, Ted and Fran Burleigh formed the Gilders Workshop in Winchester, MA and began producing fine quality reproductions of banjo clocks based on the design of Lemuel Curtis. To quote from a Burleigh sales brochure - “The design of the Burleigh Presentation Banjo Clock is adapted from that of the Lemuel Curtis banjo made in the early 1800’s. Like the original, it’s distinguishing features are a somewhat narrower throat than usual, and the concave molding used on the door and throat which is finished in burnished gold and therefore reflects the rope trim which is laid in it. Also as in the original Curtis clock, all cases are made of hand rubbed Honduras mahogany, with five piece back boards of pine. The door, throat frame and bracket are also of pine, the wood customarily used in pieces to be gilded. The gilding is executed in the traditional manner. Six hand applied coats of gesso (a mixture of whiting and animal hide glue) are sanded to a porcelain-like finish, and three or more coats of bole (a red clay and glue mixture) are applied to the parts before they are gilded. Twenty-three karat golf leaf is applied over an oil size in the area to have a matte finish, and over a water size in the areas to be burnished. The dial, with Roman numerals is hand painted and the hands are hand filed to a delicate slimness. The movement, which is patterned after the early weight-driven types is made by Kilbourne & Proctor.” This Bride’s clock with white painted case is a fine example of their work. The clock is flawless. The gilding is perfect. The dial is perfect. The reverse painted glasses are signed by Fran Burleigh, dated 1979 and include a notation by Fran stating “Painting a direct copy of one from a clock by S. Willard.” The case is numbered TEB – 42 and dated 77. The clock is in good running order and ready to hang on your wall and enjoy.