164.    $250

Dutch Friesland Stoelschippertje (ship’s clock), 1725-1825.  Like #162, this is an early Dutch wall clock (stoelklok) with a single hand and an alarm, weight-driven with a crown wheel escapement.  This example is smaller than #162, at 15 inches in height, and probably runs only 1 day.  The coloring is much better on this example and the lead trim pieces retain the coloring on the figures across the top and on the colorful parrots on side trim (parrots are a common theme on these clocks). The dial surround shows a Dutch countryside/seaside across the top and a picnic in the middle.  These smaller clocks were designed for use on barges on the Dutch canals (sometimes called barge clocks), and they typically include a maritime theme such as the two young merman blowing horns on the back sides.  The crown-wheel escapement sits on top of the clock, under the bell, and is regulated by a small pendulum behind the clock.  The clock itself sits on a platform supported by four turned feet. It is driven by the 4-lb filled brass weight, but I cannot convince it to run.  The alarm is driven by the smaller weight but I cannot get it to work either.  These darn 18th century clocks!  $250-$500.