37.      $500

William Pratt banjo, 1835-1844.  William Pratt worked out of Boston after finishing his training with William Grant in 1835, initially by himself and later (1844) with his brother, and later again with his sons. This mahogany-veneered case is 32.5 inches long with the top fleur-de-lis finial.  The iron dial holds the original paint and a faint “William Pratt | Boston” signature, held in place with j- hooks; the moon hands may be replacements.  The 8-day time-only movement matches that shown for a Pratt banjo in Willard’s Patent Time Pieces by Foley (page 68); it is running without problem. The dial glass is a replacement; the throat glass is original with the original painted design, the tablet is repainted (unsigned) on old glass.  The banjo weight looks like a modern substitute, and there is a complete pendulum tie-down.  $600-$1000.