A fine Dutch Frisian striking miniature ‘stoelschippertje’ wall clock, circa 1800.

Description

The dial

The 10-cm wide polychrome painted iron dial has Roman numerals and brass hands with alarm disc. In de corners below there are flowers and above two angels flank a basket with flowers.

The movement

The movement is driven by a weight and has a duration of more than a day. It is being regulated by verge escapement in combination with a short fixed pendulum. The small clock strikes the hours and half hours by means of a countwheel on a bell. The alarm also strikes on a bell.

The case

Both case and bracket are decorated by foliate pierced cast gilt lead ornaments. The wooden bracket is also polychrome painted and has mermaids to the sides of the back board.

Stoelschippertje – Little Skipper

The term ‘schippertje’ or rather ‘stoelschippertje’ which means little skipper. In fact these are rare miniature ‘stool clocks’. The were used on tug boats or barges pulled by donkeys or horses. The combination of the verge escapement and short fixed pendulum make that this clock will run on even when a little a skew. Because of their small dimensions they are easy to place in an interior and have an endearing charm. The fact that these small clocks are very rare makes them also sought after by collectors and connoisseurs.