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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Tall case clock

Dutch tall clock with automata by J. M. Juntes

Partially verified

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.

Full view of the Dutch tall case clock, showing the mahogany veneered case, arched dial with painted canal scene, and three figural finials.
Full view of the Dutch tall case clock, showing the mahogany veneered case, arched dial with painted canal scene, and three figural finials. — Schmitt Horan & Co. (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Tall case clock
Maker / attribution
J. M. Juntes
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
382
Source-reported date
circa 1795
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 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.

Evidence for this section
  • “the mahogany veneered oak case with molded base having canted, fluted corners”
  • “trunk with chamfered corners and rectangular door, and bonnet with latticework side frets”
  • “case lacking feet”
  • “bonnet door with repaired break”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “arched sheet iron dial with roman numeral silvered, arcaded chapter ring”
  • “the center with subsidiary displays for the date, day and month, seconds bit, and phases of the moon”
  • “painted scene featuring buildings lining a canal, with fishermen at the bottom, one dropping his bait into the water, and the other raising a net at five minute intervals”
  • “a windmill with sails that turn as the clock strikes”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “eight day, two train weight driven pendulum movement with Dutch striking”
  • “movement complete, escapement functional, striking functional”
  • “originally with alarm attachment, now lacking”
  • “ACCESSORIES: Pendulum, Three Finials, Two Brass Weights, Door Key”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific mechanical method by which the canal scene automata are linked to the striking train?
  • Are the figural finials original to the clock or later additions/replacements?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Dutch tall clock with automata by J. M. Juntes
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJ. M. Juntes“J.M. Juntes, Amsterdam”
Datecirca 1795“circa 1795”
Dimensions102in x 20in x 11.5in“102in x 20in x 11.5in”
Movement typeEight day, two train weight driven“eight day, two train weight driven pendulum movement”
Case materialsMahogany veneered oak“the mahogany veneered oak case”
AutomataPainted canal scene“below the chapter ring a painted scene featuring buildings lining a canal, with fishermen at the bottom”
Clock typeDutch tall clock“A late 18th century Dutch tall clock with automata”

Visible details

  • 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

Research qualifications

  • The auction description reports the clock is lacking its original alarm attachment
  • The auction description notes several condition issues including missing components on the figural finials and absent feet

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

Consulted source

A late 18th century Dutch tall clock with automata signed J. M. Juntes

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record b912619a10

Terms in this record

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

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