An early Dutch Friesland tail clock with automaton, signed and dated B: Haanstra, Boumeester der steede Sneek, 1768. The maddered oak case has a short tail and is of classic design with an arched hood, surmounted by vase-shaped finials on chimneys and a shaped vertical slide covering the pendulum. The latter has a pierced cast brass lenticle incorporating a Chronos figure. The arched gilt and polychrome dial has a Roman chapter ring and brass hands, a date aperture and a rolling moon, indicating the moon phase and the moon date. In the top corners two soldiers are depicted whilst the lower corners show two cherubs, carrying Dutch flags. In the arch there is a revolving rider and soldier automaton, which is set in motion by the striking train on the hour. There are two circles, one a row of soldiers and the other of riders, which move in opposite directions. The weight-driven movement has the classical birdcage construction. The going train has anchor escapement with a long pendulum whilst the striking train indicates the hours fully and the half hour with one stroke on a bell. • The maker, Bauke Wybrandus Haanstra (1712-1780) was the son of Wybrandus Haanstra, a shoemaker. On 9 May 1734 he married with Lieuwkje Gerryts Zwart. He died in 1780 and was buried in Sneek on 15 October of that year. Bauke Haanstra became a member of the city fathers of Sneek in 1761. This city council appointed him boumeester from 1765-1769. Boumeesters in the council were particularly concerned with public works. He was also governor of the local hospital. The Museum van het Nederlandse Uurwerk has a stoelklok in its collection, signed Bauke Haanstra Me Fecit A Sneek Ao 1736.