Description

Waltham Watch Co. “No. 1500 series full-size banjo”, ca. 1928. Waltham clocks are an anathema to me because I can find no complete source of model names; Ly’s two books American Clocks list some Waltham models but seem very incomplete to me. Andy Dervan published a good overview of Waltham banjos in the NAWCC Bulletin in 2003, but it does not do much for model names. This banjo is 41 inches long with the large eagle finial, has half-round frames, and what appears to be a maple case, which is not listed as an option in the literature. Cherry is a possibility, although the graining doesn’t look right to me. The glasses are Waltham issue and unretouched, the dial glass is convex in a brass bezel that has some spotting. The eagle is marked ‘W. W. Co.’ and ‘159’ on the back. The heavy iron dial is also slightly convex and signed at the top; the hands are correct. The 8-day, weight-driven movement is signed “Waltham Watch Co.” but I see no serial number. It is driven by a lead weight and regulated by a proper Waltham pendulum. The metal weight shield is in place. The clock is running without problem. AAC sold a similar example last January for $950. $800–$1200.

Record courtesy of AntiqueAmericanClocks.com