Dutch Musical Tall Case Clock Playing 10 Tunes
This exquisite Dutch musical tall Case Clock, circa 1785, is a masterful example of 18th-century craftsmanship and elegance. The clock resides in a richly patinated burl walnut case, showcasing beautifully sculpted moldings, a classic arched bonnet with blind fretwork, and ornate gilt accents.
The clock boasts a complex musical mechanism that plays 10 tunes on 14 bells with 24 hammers, marking each hour and half-hour with the number of the hour on a melodious bell. Each hour it plays one of ten beautifully orchestrated tunes.
The time displays on a beautifully engraved 14” arch top brass dial with expertly crafted cast spandrels and a contrasting hand-engraved silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with Arabic minute markings. A subsidiary seconds dial is positioned just below the 12 o’clock mark and shows a numeric day-of-the-month indicator. A rotating zodiac display is visible through an aperture above the 6 o’clock position, complete with numerical indications for the number of days in each month—a unique complication for its time. Above, a richly illustrated moon dial with the constellations shown in the sky, watches down on the dial from within the arch, indicating the day of the lunar cycle. The half chapter ring above the moon dial lists the title of each tune.
Fully restored and offered with a one-year warranty, this clock is a rare and elegant example that combines historical significance with mechanical sophistication. This example is an exceptional collector’s item that will bring music and allure to any refined environment.
95″ High x 22″ Wide x 12″ Deep
14” Arch Top Dial
Circa 1785
Original Price: $37,500