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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Floor clock

Dutch Floor Clock by J. M. Juntes

Partially verified

This late 18th-century floor clock, attributed to Dutch production, is signed by J. M. Juntes of Amsterdam. Housed in an elaborate case, the structure is crafted from a pine wood base finished with walnut veneer and walnut root, enhanced by inlaid and carved elements. The case rests upon lion feet and includes a cast bronze plaque depicting Kronos on the door. The hood is surmounted by a carved and gilded wooden figure of Atlas, flanked by two angels playing trumpets. The dial is constructed of chiseled and engraved bronze. The clock is accompanied by one winding key, one clock key, two weights, and a pendulum. The auction description notes the clock is in working order, though reports minor damage to the item.

A full-length view of the Dutch floor clock showing the walnut case, the bronze dial, and the gilded figural carvings on the hood.
A full-length view of the Dutch floor clock showing the walnut case, the bronze dial, and the gilded figural carvings on the hood. — Nagyhazi Gallery and Auction House (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Floor clock
Maker / attribution
J. M. Juntes
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
834
Source-reported date
late 18th century
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 External Features

The floor clock is contained within an architectural case constructed on a pine foundation. The exterior is finished with walnut and walnut root veneers, The case incorporates extensive inlay and carvings, resting on carved lion-shaped feet.

The front door of the clock body features a prominent cast bronze mount depicting the mythological figure Kronos. The upper section, or hood, is highly decorative, featuring a central carved and gilded wooden figure of Atlas supporting the heavens. This figure is complemented by two gilded angels on either side, each depicted holding a trumpet.

Evidence for this section
  • “clock case: pine wood base covered with walnut and walnut root, inlaid and carved decoration, lion feet”
  • “cast bronze depiction of Kronos on the door of the clock case”
  • “carved, gilded wooden figure of Atlas and two angels with trumpets on top”

Dial and Timekeeping Functions

The time is displayed on a chiseled and engraved bronze dial, which forms the visual center of the hood. The clock utilizes a double-striking mechanism, a complication that provides both hour and half-hour signals.

Beyond basic timekeeping, the clock includes an integrated calendar and a sun-moon mechanism, allowing for tracking of celestial phases. The dial layout includes these indicators alongside standard Roman numerals for the primary hour track.

Evidence for this section
  • “cizellált, vésett bronz számlappal”
  • “double-striking, sun-moon mechanism, calendar”

Condition and Attribution

The clock is attributed to Dutch manufacture during the late 18th century, with an explicit mark identifying 'J. M. Juntes Amsterdam'. The auction report confirms that the movement is in working order.

Included in the lot are the necessary components for operation, including the pendulum, two weights, a winding key, and a key for the clock case. The auction house notes the existence of minor damage to the item, though the specific nature or location of this damage is not elaborated upon in the provided documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dutch, late 18th century, marked: "J. M. Juntes Amsterdam”
  • “1 winding key, 1 clock key, 2 weights, 1 pendulum, in working order, with minor damage”

Open research questions

  • What is the full provenance of this clock prior to its inclusion at the Nagyhazi Gallery?
  • Does the J. M. Juntes signature match known archival examples of clockmakers working in Amsterdam during this period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Dutch Floor Clock by J. M. Juntes
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJ. M. Juntes“marked: "J. M. Juntes Amsterdam”
Datelate 18th century“Dutch, late 18th century”
MovementDouble-striking with sun-moon and calendar“double-striking, sun-moon mechanism, calendar”
Case materialsPine base, walnut, walnut root, bronze, wood“clock case: pine wood base covered with walnut and walnut root, inlaid and carved decoration”
Dimensions270 x 65 x 32 cm“270×65×32 cm”
Decorative elementsLion feet, Kronos, Atlas, angels“lion feet, cast bronze depiction of Kronos on the door of the clock case, carved, gilded wooden figure of Atlas and two angels with trumpets on top”
ConditionWorking order with minor damage“in working order, with minor damage”

Visible details

  • Carved gilded figure of Atlas at the top center
  • Cast bronze Kronos plaque mounted on the case door
  • Lion-shaped feet at the base
  • Engraved bronze dial with calendar and lunar indicators

Research qualifications

  • Specific nature and location of the reported minor damage are not detailed
  • Authenticity of the signature and origin is reported by the auction house without independent verification

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

Consulted source

Floor clock

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 2b80710ba6

Terms in this record

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

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