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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Wall clock

A. van Oostrom Amsterdammer wall clock

Partially verified

This antique Amsterdammer wall clock is attributed to the Dutch maker A. van Oostrom, with a production date circa 1750. The clock follows a traditional two-part construction, consisting of a hood that houses the movement and dial, and an elongated lower body designed to accommodate the weights, chains, and pendulum. The case is constructed from mahogany. The brass dial features a chapter ring with Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic numerals for the minutes, complemented by figurative brass spandrels in the corners. The signature "A. van Oostrom Amsterdam" is engraved on the lower portion of the chapter ring. The dial includes an alarm setting disk at the center and a date aperture positioned above the six o'clock marker. The movement is a 30-hour weight-driven mechanism with an integrated alarm function. The piece shows evidence of aging, including patina on the wood and brass components.

The A. van Oostrom Amsterdammer wall clock, showing the mahogany case and brass dial with figurative spandrels.
The A. van Oostrom Amsterdammer wall clock, showing the mahogany case and brass dial with figurative spandrels. — Dutch Time Pieces. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Wall clock
Maker / attribution
A. van Oostrom
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1750
Source-reported place
Netherlands

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Construction

The clock is housed in a traditional Dutch Amsterdammer-style case, constructed of mahogany. Its design follows a standard two-part vertical configuration, featuring a removable hood for the dial and movement, and a lower section to display the pendulum and weighted drive system.

The dial is made of brass and decorated with figurative spandrels in each corner. The chapter ring includes Roman hour numerals and an outer minute track with Arabic numerals. A date aperture is positioned above the six o'clock marker, while a dedicated alarm disk is situated at the center of the dial for manual adjustment.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه ساعت از چوب ماهون (mahogany) ساخته شده است.”
  • “گوشه‌های صفحه با تزئینات برجسته برنجی (اسپندرال) با نقوش فیگوراتیو تزیین شده است.”
  • “یک پنجره کوچک تقویم روز در بالای عدد شش دیده می‌شود.”
  • “دیسک زنگ هشدار نیز در مرکز صفحه تعبیه شده است.”

Movement and Functionality

The timepiece is driven by a mechanical 30-hour movement powered by hanging weights suspended on chains. The clock includes an alarm function, which is adjusted by the central disk found on the dial face.

Because the historical service records are unavailable, the condition of the gear train, pendulum, and internal alarm mechanism remains unverified. Collectors are advised to have these components inspected independently to confirm authenticity and operational capacity.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور این ساعت یک سازوکار ۳۰ ساعته (30 hour movement) است که نیروی محرکه آن از طریق وزنه‌ها و زنجیر تأمین می‌شود.”
  • “این سازوکار همچنین به قابلیت زنگ بیدارباش (alarm function) مجهز است که با دیسک مرکزی تنظیم می‌گردد.”
  • “بررسی اصالت قطعات داخلی موتور، سلامت آونگ، چرخ‌دنده‌ها و کارکرد روان مکانیزم زنگ هشدار برای مجموعه‌داران نیازمند راستی‌آزمایی مستقل است.”

Signatures and Attribution

The clock is attributed to the Dutch maker A. van Oostrom, who operated in Amsterdam during the mid-18th century. The signature is engraved on the brass dial directly into the lower portion of the chapter ring.

The work is categorized as an Amsterdammer-style wall clock based on its structural design and period-specific aesthetic features.

Evidence for this section
  • “توسط ساعت‌ساز هلندی A. van Oostrom در آمستردام و در حدود سال ۱۷۵۰ میلادی ساخته شده است.”
  • “در بخش پایینی حلقه اعداد نام سازنده «A. van Oostrom Amsterdam» حکاکی شده”

Open research questions

  • Does the internal movement bear original hallmarking or serial numbering consistent with A. van Oostrom's known output?
  • Has the mahogany case undergone significant structural restoration or wood replacement over its history?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for A. van Oostrom Amsterdammer wall clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
CountryNetherlands“توسط ساعت‌ساز هلندی A. van Oostrom در آمستردام”
Case materialMahogany“بدنه ساعت از چوب ماهون (mahogany) ساخته شده است.”
Dial materialBrass“صفحه ساعت از جنس برنج (brass) بوده”
Movement type30-hour weight-driven“موتور این ساعت یک سازوکار ۳۰ ساعته (30 hour movement) است که نیروی محرکه آن از طریق وزنه‌ها و زنجیر تأمین می‌شود.”
AlarmIncluded“این سازوکار همچنین به قابلیت زنگ بیدارباش (alarm function) مجهز است”

Visible details

  • Mahogany case with a two-part architectural design
  • Brass dial with figurative corner spandrels
  • Engraved maker signature and location on the chapter ring
  • Visible date aperture located above the six o'clock position

Research qualifications

  • Authentication of internal movement components requires independent verification
  • Functionality of the alarm mechanism and gear train has not been confirmed

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Antique Amsterdammer wall clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record c09afbb51d

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Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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