Jan Van Meurs of Amsterdam. A Musical Tall Clock. Six Tunes. PP-155.

This is an impressive burl walnut and inlaid long-case clock of Dutch origin. It was made by Jan Van Meurs of Amsterdam and features a musical movement that plays one of six tunes on a nest of bells. 

This case exhibits excellent wood selections throughout its construction. This example features larger proportions due to the increased size of the mechanism it is designed to house. It also features several interesting construction details that enhance the form. Two large Harry paw feet that hold compressed balls support the case. They applied to the bottom of a boldly formed base molding. The base section features a full bombe’. The corners are canted, and the panels are decorated with line inlay. The center of the front panel is decorative floral inlay. The waist, having canted corners, is fitted with a serpentine-shaped waist door. This door is nicely framed with an applied half-round molding. Note the applied carvings at both ends of this door and the brass casting that frames the opening in the center. This decorative casting depicts Father Time and is back with glass. Through this, one can view the motion of the brass-faced pendulum bob. The caddy-topped bonnet features an arch molding and a stepped pediment and is surmounted by three carved gilded wooden finials depicting two angels and an Atlas. The facade is decorated with blind frets that are backed with fabric. This detail allows the sound of the bells to resonate more easily from the case. A sizeable decorative carving is applied to the center of the hood. The arched bonnet door is fitted with glass. Fully turned bonnet columns ending in brass capitals are positioned on each side. 

The brass composite dial is skillfully engraved and features applied brass spandrels, a silvered chapter or time ring, a lunar calendar or a moon phase mechanism in the arch, and possibly a high tide indicator for Amsterdam. The calendar or date of the month painted decorations and the Maker’s name and working location engraved in a decorative banner. The movement is constructed in brass and designed to run for an eight-day duration. t has the traditional Dutch striking system. It strikes the hour on the hour on a large bell. On the half-hour, it will strike the coming hour on a smaller bell. In addition, It features a third train. A musical train that can play one of six tunes each hour. It is good quality. The seven-inch musical brass barrel is pinned, and with the help of twenty-six hammers, a tune is played on a nest of thirteen bells. All of which is powered by three brass-cased weights. If you are a light sleeper, don’t worry; this clock has a strike silent lever enabling one to shut off the strike altogether.

This clock was made circa 1780. In its present form, this clock measures approximately 113 inches tall. 

Inventory number PP-155.