Jan Heyer, Amsterdam. An automated tall case clock. SS-123.
Jan Heyer is listed in listed in J. Zeeman’s book De Nederlandse Staande Klok as working in this location circa 1730 -1775.
The Composite brass dial features an applied chapter ring, heavy cast applied spandrels, matted centers, and skillfully engraved decorations. The engraved and silvered chapter ring displays the time indicated by decorative blue steel hands. The hours are indicated with large Roman numerals, and the five-minute markers are executed in Arabic. The Maker’s name and working location can be found engraved in the lower section of this chapter ring. This clock displays subsidiary seconds on a separate dial beneath the twelve-hour numeral. The interior features a square aperture that displays the calendar day. The matted center is decorated with engravings. A lunar calendar and a phase of the moon display are located in the lower center section of the dial. The engraved moon is set against a deep blue painted sky illuminated by numerous painted stars. The lunar calendar day is displayed in the small window above this. The day of the week and the zodiac symbol for that day are displayed in the middle of the dial on the right. To the left is the month of the year and the number of days in each month. The interior mat is skillfully engraved, and the winding arbors are ring-turned. The four spandrel areas are fitted with cast brass spandrels. The overall quality is excellent. In the arch of this dial is a wonderfully painted scene. It features a view of a Dutch harbor. Numerous windmills are depicted in the background. In front of this is the automation. Four of the six painted ships move side to side, with the pendulum’s motion swinging back and forth. In addition to the ships, two mermaids bob in the waves. These are located on opposite sides of the harbor.
The time and strike movement is brass, eight-day duration, and of good quality. It is powered by two sizeable brass-covered lead weights. This movement is Dutch in design and features a striking Dutch format. This movement has two separate bells. The hour is struck on the large bell at the hour. At the half-hour, the coming hour is struck on the smaller one. This example also features an alarm wound by pulling on a cord or chain inside the case.
This clock case features outstanding burl walnut veneers that are thoughtfully laid out. The proportions are excellent. This case stands on or is raised on, two large claw feet with powerfully carved jointed fingers. These are applied to a boldly formed base molding. The base section is a complete bombe design highlighted with a delicate satinwood string inlay. The waist is long and narrow, having canted corners that accentuate the narrow proportions of this form. The nicely shaped waist door is bordered by an applied molding. Finely carved formal patterns are applied to this door’s top and lower sections. The waist door centers an opening framed with a fancy gilt metal frame. The rococo pattern is nicely executed; through this, one should be able to view the motion of the brass-faced pendulum bob. The door is also lined inlaid and features two pretty floral motifs. The bonnet is an arch-molded stepped pediment that features a detailed carving. The blind frets are backed in a lightly colored silk cloth. The bonnet door is arched at the top and is fitted with glass. Large bonnet columns are decorated with brass capitals applied to the frame. Surmounting this case are three period wooden finials that are covered in a gilt wash.
This clock was made circa 1750. In its present form, this clock measures approximately 105.5 inches tall to the top of the center finial.
Inventory number SS-123.
