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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Table clock

Table clock in a walnut case

Partially verified

This table clock, held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, under accession number BK-NM-12515, is constructed in a walnut case featuring brass mounts. The movement is inscribed with the signature 'JAN.B. VRIJTHOFF HAGE', indicating the maker's association with The Hague. The clock dimensions measure 21 cm in height, 14.5 cm in width, and 12.5 cm in depth. Materials used in the construction include walnut, miscellaneous wood, brass, and glass. The dial assembly includes a central chapter ring and an upper auxiliary dial segment containing the maker's signature. The case features a molded base, side panels with fretwork, and a domed top surmounted by a carrying handle.

Table clock in a walnut case, documented as BK-NM-12515 in the Rijksmuseum collection.
Table clock in a walnut case, documented as BK-NM-12515 in the Rijksmuseum collection. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Table clock
Maker / attribution
Jan B. Vrijthoff
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-NM-12515
Source-reported date
c. 1764 - c. 1797
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 table clock is enclosed in a walnut case, incorporating brass mounts that provide structural and decorative detailing. The housing follows a traditional profile for small-format table timepieces of the documented era, with a distinct domed top element and a substantial base. A carrying handle is secured to the upper dome, providing a functional feature for transport.

The front of the case is centered by a glazed aperture, protecting the dial assembly while allowing for time display. The contrast between the walnut wood components and the brass metal mountings defines the exterior visual character of the clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “Table clock in a walnut case with brass mounts”
  • “height 21 cm x width 14.5 cm x depth 12.5 cm”

Dial and Signatures

The dial assembly is composed of a primary chapter ring, marked with indicators, and an upper subsidiary dial. The signature of the maker, Jan B. Vrijthoff, is positioned within this upper aperture. The lettering 'JAN.B. VRIJTHOFF HAGE' clearly identifies the maker and the location associated with the workshop, The Hague.

The central dial features a distinct layout, with numerals providing time indication.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement is marked: JAN.B. VRIJTHOFF HAGE”

Provenance and Documentation

The clock is catalogued within the official collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. It is assigned the museum accession number BK-NM-12515. The institution serves as the primary source for the physical description and material identification of the object, verifying it as a part of their formal holdings.

The record for this object identifies it as a table clock produced within a period dating from approximately 1764 to 1797. The documentation provided by the museum translates the historical classification into contemporary descriptive terms, ensuring that the material composition and dimensions remain consistent with the institutional record.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-12515”
  • “Period c. 1764 - c. 1797”

Open research questions

  • What specific escapement type is utilized within this Vrijthoff movement?
  • Are there documented records of other timepieces by Jan B. Vrijthoff that share the same case architecture?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Table clock in a walnut case
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJan B. Vrijthoff“JAN.B. VRIJTHOFF HAGE”
Accession NumberBK-NM-12515“BK-NM-12515”
Materialswalnut (hardwood), wood (plant material), brass (alloy), glass“walnut (hardwood), wood (plant material), brass (alloy), glass”
Dimensions21 cm x 14.5 cm x 12.5 cm“height 21 cm x width 14.5 cm x depth 12.5 cm”
Holding InstitutionRijksmuseum, Amsterdam“Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam”

Visible details

  • Carrying handle on the top of the domed case
  • Fretwork patterns visible on the side panels of the clock
  • Upper auxiliary dial segment bearing the maker's signature
  • Brass mountings at the base and surrounding the dial aperture

Research qualifications

  • The dating of the object is provided as a broad range rather than a specific year of manufacture
  • The specific technical specifications and internal mechanics of the movement are not documented in the provided source

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

Consulted source

Table clock in a walnut case with brass mounts

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 566d201920

Terms in this record

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

Other table clock records