Dutch 30 hour tail clock in the miniature 'NOTARY' pattern and size.

Dutch 30 hour tail clock in the miniature 'NOTARY' pattern and size. In his book entitled 'DUTCH ANTIQUE DOMESTIC CLOCKS'Published in 1973 and now long out-of-print, Dr. J.L. Sellink comments that, "The Notary clock is considerably more rare than a normal (size) Friesland Staartklok, so that it is not surprising that the price is about twice as high..". This book has long been regarded as the "Bible" on Dutch Clocks and when published over 30 years ago noted that the smaller, miniature tail clocks were even then rare and expensive. The term applied to these clocks by those in the trade is 'NOTARY CLOCK' because Dutch Notarys(Public)often displayed them in their offices. Dutch Notarys are highly trained professional persons of considerable esteem, whose services (and fees)are broader than those of American Notarys. Their choice of these smaller-size 'tail clocks' for their offices marks the clocks as being quite special. We have never before been able to obtain one for our customers. This nice example of a 'NOTARY CLOCK' came to us from a long-time friend who is also our Dutch clock supplier. It is in perfect operating condition, striking the full hours on a gentle bell and once on the half-hours on the same bell. The dial has the added colorful enhancement of what the Dutch called a bridal wreatHeight surrounding the Chapter Ring (the numeral ring). The term 'Bridal Wreath' was applied to clocks with an attractive wreath design in bas relief on the dial. They were sold to families and/or friends who intended to present them to brides as a wedding present. In the arch of the hood is a charming Dutch Village scene. There are also four figures in pressed brass on each spandral (corner) of the dial. The clean, heavy brass mechanism retains its original alarm unit which has (as is almost always the case) been disconnected. The drive chains for the alarm device are retained, with their two weights (one small and the other, a counter weight, somewhat larger (see photographs). The reason that these alarm mechanisms are usually disconnected is that once they begin to alarm (striking on the hour bell), they don't stop until completely wound down!! On the top of the hood are the three typical Dutch Clock figures...two Herald Angels blowing trumpets--one on either side, standing on 'chimneys' or pediments. In the center, at the top of the arch is another figure depicting Atlas holding the world on his shoulders. The lower end of the 'tail' has an ornate glass enclosed window with a brass cartouche through which the long brass pendulum 'bob' can be seen as it swings back and forth(see photograph). The capitals at the top of each side column on the bonnet have been re-gilded as well as the base collars of the same columns. PLEASE DON'T CONFUSE THIS 'PRIZE' WITH THE TYPICAL, LARGER DUTCH TAILCLOCKS. Full-size tail clocks are, in their own right, scarce and very desireable...but, this smaller 'NOTARY' is a type that you might not ever find again. We been looking for one for many years and are pleased at this time to offer it to discriminating buyers. Height: 45 in. (114.30 cm) Depth: 8 in. (20.32 cm) Width: 11 in. (27.94 cm) Weight: 25