Musical Clock

ca. 1800

Not on view

Also called a "dulcimer" or "harp clock", this timekeeper marks the hours with a repertoire of six popular tunes as well as a bell. Below the dial is a sound box with wire strings that are struck by 16 little hammers activated by a pinned cylinder. A carved painted panel showing a shepherdess and her flock conceals the strings. A hand-operated mute silences the music at night.

Artwork Details

Title: Musical Clock
Maker: Martin Vanlo?
Date: ca. 1800
Geography: Germany
Culture: German
Medium: Wood, metal
Dimensions: Greatest width: 42.5 x Total L. excluding ropes: 105cm (16 3/4 x 41 5/16in.)
c1: 54.6 cm; c2 25.6 cm; c3 12.0 cm.
Classification: Chordophone-Zither-struck-piano
Credit Line: Gift of Helen C. Lanier, 1983
Object Number: 1983.108
Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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