Pietre & Jan Morjin

Important Mid 18th Century Dutch longcase clock with planisphere dial scheepjes mechaniek by Pietre and Jan Morjin, Amsterdam. Veneered in rich burr-walnut.
Netherlands, circa 1740

Height: 275 cms (108.3 ins)
Width: 60 cms (23.7 ins)
Depth: 40 cms (15.8 ins)

Dutch longcase scheepjes mechaniek clock of typical form surmounted by carved wooden figural finials, Atlas and two bearers, the polychrome painted brass dial depicting an allegory on trade and plenty, silvered chapter ring with engraved Roman numerals, signed Pieter En Jan Moryn, Amsterdam, matted centre with subsidiary seconds ring with date aperture, silvered alarm setting disc, ringed winding holes, sector for day of week and zodiac sign above VI, the shaped arch engraved with scene of ships scheepjes mechaniek and a landscape.

Brass four pillar eight-day movement, anchor escapement, Dutch strike and alarm on two bells above, two large and two small weights, pendulum, door-key and crank key

Pieter Morijn (Pierre Morin) was employed circa 1742 in the Oude Leliestraat in Amsterdam (Dutch clockmaker list). Pieter is famous for the production of various pocket watches, table clocks, a planetarium and Amsterdam’s standing Dutch longcase clocks.

Pieter was the son of Jean Morin (Jan Morijn), a fugitive French Protestant (refugee, Huguenot).

Comparative Dutch longcase Clocks at Auction Christies European Noble and Private Collections

Amsterdam | 13 – 14 December 2011 €73,000