Antony Janszen. A Dutch tall clock made in Amsterdam.

213005 An impressive long case clock with brass composite dial signed Anthony Janszen \/ Amsterdam. It is very unusual to find a tall case clock of this period that is signed, numbered and dated by the clockmaker. This example is.

The time, strike and alarm movement is brass, eight-day duration and of excellent quality. It features the traditional Dutch striking system. As a result, this clock strikes the hour on the hour on a large bell. On the half hour, it will strike the coming hour on a smaller bell. This movement also features an alarm mechanism that is mounted to the side of the movement. It is wound by pulling on a cord inside the case that raises a small weight. When set, it will strike or sound and alarm on a bell. The setting of the alarm is done from the front of the dial. An alarm disk is mounted around the hour pipe. While removing the hour pipe bridge, our repairman discovered that it was engraved with the Makers initials "A.J." and it is dated and numbered "1766 \/ N.89." Janszen is a listed Maker. This date falls in line with the form of the clock and his listed working dates.

The case exhibits excellent burl walnut veneers that cover the entire oak substructure. The walnut has been refinished and now exhibits a wonderful mellow tone that enhances the appearance of the burl wood grain. This long case is nicely proportioned and features a number of interesting construction details that are typical found on clocks made in Amsterdam during this period of clockmaking. The case proudly stands on four turned feet that are finished with an ebonized finish. They are applied to the bottom of the base and moldings. The base incorporates bold moldings in it's design which is three dimensionally formed. The corners are nicely built out and add a decorative aspect to the form. This construction is sometimes called a mock bombe'. This detail transitions nicely into the waist section.

The waist of this case is long and narrow. The corners canted getting their cue from the base panel. This detail accentuates the narrow proportions of this pleasing form. A large waist door is fitted into the center of this section. It is designed with an interest shaping at the top and bottom of the panel. The outer edge is nicely trimmed with an applied half round molding. The top of the door id fitted with an applied carved detail. The center of this door is cut open and fitted with glass through this window one can see the brass covered pendulum bob. One would be able to visually tell that the clock is operational if the bob is in motion. It also lets the viewer know that this clock is fitted with a long pendulum rod due to the distance of the bob from the dial. This window is framed with a brass decoration that features a rococo style framing. A maiden sits atop of a bull. Her outstretched hand is holding a wreath. This frame is heavily cast and good quality.

The fanciful molded arched molding found at the top of the bonnet is nicely formed. The blind frets are wonderfully executed and are backed in a sand colored silk cloth. This detail allows the sound of the bells to resonate more easily from the inside of the case when the clock is striking. The bonnet door is arched at the top and is fitted with clear glass. Turned smooth bonnet columns terminate in brass capitals. These are applied to the bonnet door. Surmounting this case are the applied caddy top and the three period figural finials. The center one depicting Atlas. He is supporting the Universe on his shoulders.

The brass composite dial is skillfully engraved and features applied brass rococo spandrels, a silvered chapter ring which display the hours and minutes, a subsidiary seconds dial and a day of the week calendar and the Zodiac sign associated with it, a lunar calendar or an engraved moon phase mechanism is positioned in the arch, note the delicate engraving in the arch surrounding this feature and an engraved center mat. The Maker's name as well as his working location is engraved into the lower portion of the chapter ring.

This clock was made circa 1766. This clock proudly stands approximately 9 feet 4 inches tall to the top of the center finial.