A musical clock with automated dial and figured walnut case of Dutch origin. Tall case clock.

This very impressive tall case clock measures approximately 9 feet 1 inches or 109 inches tall. At the bend in the bombe section of the base, this case is 26.5 inches wide and 16.75 inches deep. The reason for these oversized dimension is that this case houses a musical movement.

The brass made movement is a three train design. Six pillars support the two large cast brass plates. All three trains are weight powered. The weights are decorated with brass sleeves. The middle weight drives the time train. This is an eight-day clock and features a seconds pendulum and a recoil escapement. The weight located on the left drives the strike train. This clock is designed to strike each hour on a bell that is mounted above the movement. The large weight on the left drives the musical portion of the clock movement. This train is designed to play on the hour. It consists of a pin barrel that is mounted perpendicularly to the movement frames. The pin barrel is programed for six individual tunes. Twenty-six hammers are used to strike on a nest of thirteen graduated bells. The turn is selected by moving the slide on the front right of the dial.

This style of dial predates the painted dial. This is a complex dial measures approximately 29 inches tall and 19.5 inches wide and it features multiple displays. It is constructed of a brass base sheet that is decorated with series of engravings and applied brass chapter rings and spandrels. The lunette is decorated with a painted scene comprised of three musicians that are each playing a string instrument. On the hour, when the clock is playing a tune, the musician's arms are automated in such a way that they appear to be playing the strings. On the left and right side of the time ring are levers. These allows one the ability to turn on and off the striking portion of the clock by moving the indicating knob manually. Inside the large chapter ring is a nicely matted center. The is decorated with floral engravings. Also in this location you will find displays for the calendar date which is inside the subsidiary seconds dial. A lunar calendar and a phases of the moon display is located in the lower center section. The painted moon is set against a deep blue painted sky. Numerous painted stars are also depicted. The lunar calendar day is displayed on the ring above the paint work. The day of the week and the zodiac symbol for that day are displayed to the right of center. The month of the year and the zodiac symbol associate with that month are displayed on the left. The steel hands are nicely made.

The case is veneered in burl walnut veneers that are applied over an oak substructure. The veneers feature excellent figure and retain and older finish. This case stands on, or is raised on two large claw feet that feature powerfully carved jointed fingers. These are applied to a boldly formed base molding. The base section is a full bombe' design. Decorative brass appliques are secured to the canted surfaces. The waist section steps in. The corners are canted and this beveled edge terminates in a simple lamb's tongue molding. Additional brass appliques are use as decorations in this location. This center section is fitted with a large rectangular shaped waist door that is trimmed with a simple half-round molding. Through this door one can access the interior of the case. The hood features a peaked top center a central urn finial. This finial is carved from wood. A blind fret work design is positioned below the upper molding. This is backed with silk and forms a sound fret. The arched bonnet door opens to access the dial.

This very unusual clock was made circa 1760.