Zaanse Dutch Walnut Wall Clock with Atlas Brass Crest — "Nu Elck Syn Sin"

A traditional Zaanse-style wall clock, made in Holland and rendered in walnut-toned wood with cast brass mounts throughout. The crest centers on a kneeling Atlas figure raising a blue painted globe, flanked by seated genre figures and a scrolled banner reading "NU ELCK SYN SIN" — a Dutch motto translating roughly to "to each his own taste." Barley-twist columns frame the square dial, with foliate brass spandrels at each corner and a lion-mask pendant boss below. The two-tone chapter ring carries Roman hours on brushed silver with an outer Arabic minute track and pierced gilt hands; the dial is marked Made in Holland.

Sold across Europe and exported widely from the mid-20th century onward, these Zaanse clocks borrow their form from 17th-century Dutch prototypes. This example pairs the decorative cast crest, twin brass weights, and brass-bob pendulum with an updated battery-powered movement — the original mechanism has been replaced with a Quartz electronic module that drives the hands and chimes on the hour. The weights and chains remain in place as period-correct ornament.

CONDITION

Good overall. Runs well and keeps good time; the pendulum moves and it chimes on the hour. The original mechanism has been replaced with an electronic quartz movement (shown in reference photos). Light surface scratches to the wood case consistent with age and handling, and minor paint loss to the blue globe.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Overall (Body): 24" H × 10 1/4" W × 6 1/4" D
• Construction: Wood with cast brass mounts
• Movement: Quartz electronic (replacement)
• Power: Requires (1) C battery
• Dial marked: Made in Holland
• Crest banner: "NU ELCK SYN SIN"
• Includes: Two brass weights, brass-bob pendulum, chains