Stoelklok, c1760
Maker Unknown
Province of Friesland, Netherlands
Like many European countries, the Netherlands has a long and rich history of clockmaking. While clockmakers in the region were influenced by the products of other European countries like France and England, Dutch clockmakers offered their own interpretations of existing designs, and produced clocks distinct to the region. One such example is the stoelklok.
The northern Dutch province of Friesland was the primary source of stoelklok production from 1725-1875. The name is derived from the chair-like bracket or seat (stoel) which supports the clock.
The painted dial, leaden frets and canopy are decorative elements common to Frisian stoelkloks. Mermaids, here flanking the dial, were frequently used as a symbol of the elusiveness of time.
The thirty-hour brass movement with verge escapement strikes on the half-hour and hour. The clock also has both calendar and alarm mechanisms.
Donated by Paula Bakalar
1998.34