Dutch tall clock with automata by J. M. Juntes
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1795
This late 18th-century Dutch tall clock is signed by J. M. Juntes of Amsterdam. The case is constructed of oak with mahogany veneers, featuring a molded base with canted, fluted corners, and a trunk with a rectangular door.
The bonnet is topped with three figural finials and incorporates latticework side frets alongside blind frets in the frieze and tympanum. The arched sheet iron dial features a silvered, arcaded chapter ring with Roman numerals, accompanied by subsidiary displays for date, day, month, moon phases, and a seconds bit. Below the chapter ring, a painted canal scene features animated figures, a rotating windmill, and a rotating tower clock hand, all driven by an eight-day, two-train weight-driven movement with Dutch striking.
The clock includes a pendulum, three finials, two brass weights, and a door key.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- circa 1795
- Type
- Tall case clock
- Maker
- J. M. Juntes
- Automata
- Painted canal scene
- Clock type
- Dutch tall clock
- Dimensions
- 102in x 20in x 11.5in
- Movement type
- Eight day, two train weight driven
- Case materials
- Mahogany veneered oak
- Place recorded
- Netherlands
- Maker / attribution
- J. M. Juntes
Design
- Visible features
- • Painted canal scene with moving figures and windmill • Three figural finials atop the bonnet • Silvered chapter ring with subsidiary calendar and moon phase displays • Mahogany veneered oak case with fluted corners
- Dial and Automata
- The clock features an arched sheet iron dial with a silvered, arcaded chapter ring marked with Roman numerals. The center of the dial contains subsidiary displays for the date, day, month, moon phases, and a seconds bit, utilizing pierced blued steel hands. Located beneath the chapter ring is a painted scene depicting buildings along a canal. This scene incorporates functional automata: two fishermen at the base move at five-minute intervals, a windmill features rotating sails activated as the clock strikes, and a tower clock displays a rotating hand. The auction description notes the scene is in good condition, although one component at the bottom is loose and temporarily attached, and the moon phase dial shows a circular scratch.
- Movement and Accessories
- The movement is an eight-day, two-train weight-driven mechanism featuring Dutch striking. The escapement is described as functional, and the overall movement is stated to be complete. The clock originally contained an alarm attachment, which is now missing. The object is accompanied by a set of accessories including the pendulum, three finials, two brass weights, and a door key. While the primary movement components are described as functioning, the condition report confirms the loss of the alarm mechanism during the clock's history.
- Case Construction and Design
- The clock is housed in an oak case finished with mahogany veneers. The bonnet, which protects the dial and movement, is decorated with latticework side frets and blind frets within the frieze and tympanum. It is surmounted by a molded cornice and three figural finials. The condition report indicates that the case has been refinished and is currently missing its feet. Further modifications noted include the replacement of the side fret backing with wood and repair to a break in the bonnet door. The three finials are painted gold, though the left and right figures lack horns, and one figure is missing a wing.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The auction description reports the clock is lacking its original alarm attachment
- Research required: The auction description notes several condition issues including missing components on the figural finials and absent feet