AMSTERDAM: Sometimes identifying and dating an antique seems easy, but it fools you. An unusual wall clock was offered at a recent auction. It was labeled “Friesland wall clock with automata, 1800.”
Friesland is a section of Holland where people have been making clocks since the 1600s. Automata, of course, are the moving figures – in this case, boats – that are included below the clock dial for decoration and amusement. There was a moving scene with a woman milking a cow, a fisherman with a fish and three ships with sails.
The clock also struck at an hour and half-hour. The clock case has windows that show the moving pendulum. Add to that the decoration of the case and dial, painted-iron Roman numerals, pierced brass hands and mahogany marquetry trim on the wooden case and hood. It had many characteristics of an early 1800s Dutch clock. It was the oldest and the most expensive of many Friesland wall clocks in the sale.
Bidders also were sure it was an early clock and the winning bid was $3,444.
