THE MOVEMENT BY GERRIT BRAMER, AMSTERDAM, CIRCA 1725

Details

A Dutch mahogany longcase clock The movement by Gerrit Bramer, Amsterdam, circa 1725 The case with a rectangular plinth, on bun feet, the arched panelled trunk door with a circular lenticle, the hood with turned columns with gilt-metal capitals, with later sound frets to the frieze, sides and caddy-top, the stepped moulded caddy-top with three later figural finials, the brass dial with Roman and Arabic numerals inscribed Gert Bramer/Amsterdam on the silvered chapterring, with pierced black painted steel hands (the hour hand probably associated), the matted and engraved centre with silvered seconds ring, weekday and day sectors, surmounted by a rolling moonphase, the weight driven movement with anchor escapement and strike on two bells, restorations 252cm. high

Special Notice

Christie's charge a buyer's premium of 20% (VAT inclusive) for this lot.

Lot Essay

Gerrit Bramer (1648-1770) was born in Zwolle and came to Amsterdam with his father Willem Bramer, where they worked together until 1734, after which date Willem moved to Kampen. The first mention of Gerrit is in 1712 when he married Florentina Sobel. At this time he owned a workshop and coffeehouse on the east side of the Exchange in Amsterdam. After several changes of location he moved to the Kalverstraat in 1760, where he worked with his son Willem Jan who died in 1765. Gerrit died in 1770 and was burried in the old Lutheran church.

The present lot is a particularly fine early example of Gerrit Bramer's work and can be dated between 1720 and 1725. Typical features of this early work are the sober case, the oval lenticle and the small moonphase with a continuous line of engraving beneath. The decorative elements mounted on top of the hood have been replaced with triumphant angels and the figure of Atlas. Originally these would probably have been stylised vases.

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