In the collection ofArt Institute of Chicago
Lighthouse Clock, Simon Willard and Sons, 1825–30, White pine, mahogany veneer, enamel, brass, and gilt and silver mounts
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Clock · Roxbury

Lighthouse Clock

Simon Willard and Sons · Roxbury · 1825–30

In 1819 Simon Willard applied for and received a patent for the first American alarm clock. He intended for the clocks to be portable so that one could use them around the house or while traveling. Patented by Willard under the name "alarm timepiece," clocks like this one are now referred to as lighthouse clocks for their marked similarity to the Eddystone lighthouse in the English Channel.

— Art Institute of Chicago, catalogue text
Medium
White pine, mahogany veneer, enamel, brass, and gilt and silver mounts
Dimensions
74.9 × 26 cm (29 1/2 × 10 1/4 in.)
Accession
1997.451
Credit line
Gift of the Antiquarian Society

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