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A FRISIAN OAK, STAINED FRUITWOOD AND MARQUETRY, QUARTER STRIKING, 'BURGEMEESTER STAARTKLOK' (MAYOR CLOCK) WITH MOONPHASE AND ALARM

M. MEBIUS, LEEUWARDEN. SECOND QUARTER 19TH CENTURY

Details

A FRISIAN OAK, STAINED FRUITWOOD AND MARQUETRY, QUARTER STRIKING, 'BURGEMEESTER STAARTKLOK' (MAYOR CLOCK) WITH MOONPHASE AND ALARM
M. MEBIUS, LEEUWARDEN. SECOND QUARTER 19TH CENTURY
The 'dubbelkap' hood centred by an acanthus clasp and surmounted by giltwood figural finials (later), the top and sides with reverse glass painted panels depicting a Biblical scene and townscapes, the front door flanked by Corinthian columns, the parcel-gilt and black painted dial with rolling moonphase to the arch, cast brass Cupid spandrels (later) to the silvered chapter ring, the centre with painted signature M. MEBIUS A LEEUWARDEN and date aperture below, brass hands, the short duration movement with four brass ringed baluster pillars, anchor escapement and countwheel strike and alarm on two bells above; three brass weights, pendulum
175 cm. high

Special notice

Christie’s charges a premium to the buyer on the Hammer Price of each lot sold at the following rates: 29.75% of the Hammer Price of each lot up to and including €5,000, plus 23.8% of the Hammer Price between €5,001 and €400,000, plus 14.28% of any amount in excess of €400,001. Buyer’s premium is calculated on the basis of each lot individually.

Sale room notice

Please note this lot has been incorrectly numbered on view. This lot is lot 436; A Frisian oak and marquetry quarter striking 'burgemeester staartklok', signed Mebius Leeuwarden.

Lot Essay

COMPARATIVE LITERATURE:
Dr. J. L. Sellink, Dutch Antique Domestic Clocks, Leiden, 1973, pp. 274-275 and 290-297.

The 'burgemeester staartklok' (mayor clock) is the largest and most elaborate type of Frisian 'staartklokken'. Compared with the ordinary 'staartklok' the 'burgemeester' clocks are larger and mostly have a double hood. The cases are well made and often applied with marquetry, veneered or carved. Overall these clocks tend to be better made than their counterparts.

Martinus Mebius is recorded working in Leeuwarden, the capital of the Friesland province, circa 1821.

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