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Amsterdam wall clock

An unusually small and attractive wall clock signed Frants Stinmet Amsterdam. The by two weights driven, 4-pillar movement of about 3-day duration has anchor escapement, strikes on 1 bell and has alarm. The brass dial plate with engraved centre, mounted with a silvered chapter ring, having an aperture for the days of the week, the arch with rocking ships automaton, in a walnut veneered oak case (net height just 84 cm) surmounted with three wooden, carved and gilded figures visualising Justice, Hope and Time. Circa 1760.

Frants Stinmet Amsterdam: „Morpurgo“ mentions Frederik Stimmets, working in Haarlem and Amsterdam, around 1766. A member of the St. Lucas Guild. He made Amsterdam wall clocks, so-called „Amsterdammertjes“ having separate barrels with catgut-lines for the going- and striking-train (instead of the more tradional use of endless rope or chain and single weight i.e. Huygens’ system). Considering Morpurgo’s indication that Frederik Stimmets made „Amsterdammertjes“ on catgut, rather than on rope or chain, which is very exceptional, leads to the conclusion that Frederik Stimmets and Frants Stinmet are the same person.
Dutch/12/07

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