M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private. . .
Buy with Confidence
At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.
Learn MoreDutch Striking Burl Walnut Tall Case Clock by Dirk Vetter
- This handsome Dutch tall case clock was created by Dirk Vetter of Amsterdam
- The entire clock case is crafted of burl walnut with exquisite marquetry
- An incredible ship automaton or “scheepjes mechaniek” is incorporated into this exceptional clock
- It has the rare and complex feature of Dutch striking, when a clock strikes out the hours in full at the half-hour on a high bell and at the hour on a lower bell
- Get complete item description here
$44,500
Item No.
32-0823
To speak to one of our experts, call 1-888-711-8084
Description
Dutch Striking Burl Walnut Tall Case Clock
Dirk Vetter
Circa 1750
An exceptional expression of mid-18th-century Dutch horology, this tall case clock by Dirk Vetter of Amsterdam unites refined cabinetmaking with the sophisticated mechanical innovations for which the Netherlands became renowned. Dating to around 1750, the clock exemplifies the highly developed astronomical and calendrical features favored by Amsterdam’s elite patrons, who commissioned works that elevated the longcase clock into a demonstration of both learning. . .
Dirk Vetter
Circa 1750
An exceptional expression of mid-18th-century Dutch horology, this tall case clock by Dirk Vetter of Amsterdam unites refined cabinetmaking with the sophisticated mechanical innovations for which the Netherlands became renowned. Dating to around 1750, the clock exemplifies the highly developed astronomical and calendrical features favored by Amsterdam’s elite patrons, who commissioned works that elevated the longcase clock into a demonstration of both learning. . .
Read More
Dutch Striking Burl Walnut Tall Case Clock
Dirk Vetter
Circa 1750
An exceptional expression of mid-18th-century Dutch horology, this tall case clock by Dirk Vetter of Amsterdam unites refined cabinetmaking with the sophisticated mechanical innovations for which the Netherlands became renowned. Dating to around 1750, the clock exemplifies the highly developed astronomical and calendrical features favored by Amsterdam’s elite patrons, who commissioned works that elevated the longcase clock into a demonstration of both learning and luxury.
The dial is a masterwork of Amsterdam engraving. A broad chapter ring—either silvered or enamel—displays Roman hours with an outer minute track marked at five-minute intervals, a configuration long associated with Dutch precision movements. Within the chapter ring, concentric calendar and seconds scales provide further layers of information: the outer ring tracks the days of the month, while a delicately engraved inner band records the seconds. Pierced blued-steel hands, shaped in the foliate idiom characteristic of Dutch craftsmanship, indicate the time with elegant clarity.
Above the main dial, two apertures present the day and month—“Dingsdag” and “December” in the example shown. These rotating tableaux, each bearing allegorical figures, embody one of the defining markers of Dutch astronomical longcase clocks. Below them, a painted lunar sphere reveals the moon’s changing phases, its expressive face set against a starry vault. Together, these functions transform the dial into a compact cosmology, reflecting the Enlightenment fascination with ordering the natural world.
The arch of the clock houses a painted Amsterdam harbor scene, with ships navigating toward the city’s spired skyline. The clock features a scheepjes mechaniek, an automaton mechanism in which miniature vessels appear to “sail” across the waves in time with the movement. Gilt Rococo spandrels frame the dial and arch, their chased surfaces illustrating the exceptional metalwork that flourished among Dutch makers in this period.
The case—crafted in fine walnut or oak—incorporates the architectural hallmarks of Amsterdam cabinetry: arched moldings, shaped doors and applied ornament enriched with engraved or polychrome detailing. The long trunk door opens to reveal the weight-driven movement, with separate arbors for the going and striking trains. This example would have employed the distinctive Dutch striking system, sounding the hour fully at both the hour and the half-hour on differently tuned bells.
Face signed "Dirk Vetter, Amsterdam"
86 5/8” high x 24 1/2”wide x 12 1/4” deep
Dirk Vetter
Circa 1750
An exceptional expression of mid-18th-century Dutch horology, this tall case clock by Dirk Vetter of Amsterdam unites refined cabinetmaking with the sophisticated mechanical innovations for which the Netherlands became renowned. Dating to around 1750, the clock exemplifies the highly developed astronomical and calendrical features favored by Amsterdam’s elite patrons, who commissioned works that elevated the longcase clock into a demonstration of both learning and luxury.
The dial is a masterwork of Amsterdam engraving. A broad chapter ring—either silvered or enamel—displays Roman hours with an outer minute track marked at five-minute intervals, a configuration long associated with Dutch precision movements. Within the chapter ring, concentric calendar and seconds scales provide further layers of information: the outer ring tracks the days of the month, while a delicately engraved inner band records the seconds. Pierced blued-steel hands, shaped in the foliate idiom characteristic of Dutch craftsmanship, indicate the time with elegant clarity.
Above the main dial, two apertures present the day and month—“Dingsdag” and “December” in the example shown. These rotating tableaux, each bearing allegorical figures, embody one of the defining markers of Dutch astronomical longcase clocks. Below them, a painted lunar sphere reveals the moon’s changing phases, its expressive face set against a starry vault. Together, these functions transform the dial into a compact cosmology, reflecting the Enlightenment fascination with ordering the natural world.
The arch of the clock houses a painted Amsterdam harbor scene, with ships navigating toward the city’s spired skyline. The clock features a scheepjes mechaniek, an automaton mechanism in which miniature vessels appear to “sail” across the waves in time with the movement. Gilt Rococo spandrels frame the dial and arch, their chased surfaces illustrating the exceptional metalwork that flourished among Dutch makers in this period.
The case—crafted in fine walnut or oak—incorporates the architectural hallmarks of Amsterdam cabinetry: arched moldings, shaped doors and applied ornament enriched with engraved or polychrome detailing. The long trunk door opens to reveal the weight-driven movement, with separate arbors for the going and striking trains. This example would have employed the distinctive Dutch striking system, sounding the hour fully at both the hour and the half-hour on differently tuned bells.
Face signed "Dirk Vetter, Amsterdam"
86 5/8” high x 24 1/2”wide x 12 1/4” deep
Read Less
Specifications
| Period: | 18th Century |
| Origin: | Netherlands |
| Type: | Longcase/Grandfather |
| Depth: | 12.25 in. (31.12 cm) |
| Width: | 24.5 in. (62.23 cm) |
| Height: | 86.63 in. (220.03 cm) |
Discover More
A Brief History of Timekeeping
Feeling like time is slipping away? Explore the fascinating and endless history of timekeeping, from ancient sundials to modern atomic clocks. Ancient Timekeeping Devices: Tracing the History of Measuring Time Have you ever...
Read More
When Time Was Born: Renaissance-Period Clocks
The addition of elements such as alarms and quarter-hour striking appeared as mechanisms became more complex, as seen in this wonderful specimen. Renaissance-period clocks, like...
Read More
Buy with Confidence
At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.
Learn More
