Dutch striking hooded wall clock, mid 18th century

A 1750s Dutch-striking wall clock by Johannes Duchesne, Amsterdam with a subsidiary moon phase indication dial.

The 10½ inch brass dial is signed on the silvered chapter ring. The matted centre has a square date aperture and a numerical moon phase dial, which corresponds to a small spherical moon above the dial, visible through the wooden mask when the door is open.

The 8-day rack-striking movement does the Dutch striking sequence; that is to say, it strikes the hours on a large bell, and the same number of hours at the half hour on a smaller bell of higher pitch, nestled underneath. The movement plates are united with ringed knopped pillars.

The one-second pendulum has a turned ringed block into which the suspension spring fits. Just above the brass bob are further turned decorative parts. The substantial brass-cased weights are polished and lacquered.

The walnut case has a forward-sliding hood, with architectural pediment  edged with mouldings. The hinged door is flanked with pilasters in gentle relief.

Overhauled and guaranteed for 3 years.

Johannes Duchesne is listed in Britten’s as working in Amsterdam in c.1750. Research indicates that Duchesne made long case clocks and table clocks. No other hooded wall clocks have been found by this maker, so it is unclear whether this is a one-off, later made custom-made case of excellent quality, and some considerable age.