Clock and gunpowder horn

anoniem, c. 1590 - c. 1596

This clock was originally intended as merchandise for sale or as a gift. It was hung up in the ‘Save House’ as the only means of providing a sense of time during the long, polar nights. On 3 December 1596, it froze. Barentsz and Van Heemskerck shoved a parting letter into the gunpowder horn when they left. Three centuries later, the horn was rediscovered with the letter still inside. The letter cannot be exhibited due to its fragility.

  • Artwork typeclock, clockwork, mechanical clock
  • Object numberNG-NM-7687
  • Dimensionsheight 38.9 cm x width 20.5 cm x depth 16.4 cm

Stories

Clock and gunpowder horn

Clock and Gunpowder Horn

1:12 min. - A suspenseful exploit in extreme cold