224.         $1800

Joshua Seward (attr.) lyre banjo, 1830–1835.  Seward was probably an apprentice to John Sawin, as his clocks are nearly indistinguishable from Sawin timepieces.  He produced “elegant harp” (lyre) timepieces, as found here, in the early 1830’s.  The movement here is characteristic of his style, with two diagonal mounting posts (here each is replaced by a short screw and nut) and a straight click pawl; you can see a matching example on page 66 of Paul J. Foley, Willard’s Patent Time Pieces.  The 34-inch carved mahogany case has an old finish with a split to the lyre front and a well-done regluing of the bottom section of the bracket.  I would guess the glass has been rebacked if not repainted; the brass eagle finial on top is period.  The iron dial is likely original, with good retention of the paint but no evidence of a signature and held in place with L-turns; the hands are period but not typical of Sawin/Seward.  The 8-day time-only movement is running, driven by an iron weight that is likely original, as is the pendulum, bob, and tin weight shield, and clip.  No sales of Seward clocks on LiveAuctioneers, two sales of Seward lyre timepieces in the early 2000’s on the Antique Clocks Identification and Price Guide for $3300 and $5000.  $1800–$2400.