196.               $250

Early wood-front banjo, ca. 1835. A 33-inch banjo (including the acorn finial) with figured mahogany throat and box fronts; the beveled frames and sides of the case are mahogany as well.  The dial glass is old/original, the heavy painted iron dial has been lacquered to prevent chipping, although there is abundant craquelure.  The steel hands are unusual and period.  The 8-day banjo movement has a T-bridge suspension, diagonal ear mounts, and a long straight click pawl; this type of movement was made and used by numerous Boston-area makers in the 1830’s.  The weight is cast iron; the trapezoidal pendulum on a metal rod with a tin weight shield and a tie-down bar, but the clip is missing.  There are not and never were side-arms.  It is running without issue.  $250–$500.