Banjo-shaped Wall Clock

Date1824

Mediumglass, mahogany, and brass

Dimensions33 1/4 × 10 1/4 × 3 3/4 in. (84.5 × 26 × 9.5 cm)

Donor credit lineODHS Purchase, with funds donated by Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Oliver

Object number1981.30

Institutional Credit LineCourtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum

DescriptionThis Federal era banjo clock has an 8" diameter dial, mahogany plinth, and a decorated glass bezel door. The clock features a gilt case and is capped with an urn-shaped finial. At each side of the waist is a brass scroll. Door to waist and bottom are framed with half oval mahogany and a glass panel. The central panel on the églomisé throat is decorated with gold foliate decor around red and blue panels. The lower glass panel over the eglomisé box door is decorated with a maritime scene with two ships and an eagle-capped shield. It is possible that this clock was owned by Benjamin Ward, a merchant tailor in New Bedford.

The inscription in a riband on the naval engagement scene painted at the base of the clock reads "The capture of the Frolic." The scene shows the capture of the HMS Frolic by the USS Wasp, where the American vessel is winning. The image depicts the USS Wasp capturing the HMS Frolic during the War of 1812. The scene shows the American vessel successfully capturing the British ship, with the USS Wasp in a winning position. The USS Wasp was a U.S. sloop-of-war commanded by Master Commandant Jacob Jones, while the HMS Frolic was a Cruizer-class brig-sloop commanded by Commander Thomas Whinyates. The battle between the USS Wasp and HMS Frolic took place on October 18, 1812, in the Atlantic Ocean. The image likely portrays the moment of capture, where the Frolic is either boarded by the Wasp's crew or has been disabled by the American ship's fire.
The capture of the HMS Frolic was a significant victory for the Americans, demonstrating their naval capabilities during the War of 1812. The Americans were able to capture the British ship due to their superior gunnery and tactics, which led to heavy casualties among the Frolic's crew.

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