Technical Characteristics: Koopman Chess Clock 1914

• Name. Koopman Chess Clock.
• Model. Hidden Dials.
• Maker. Hendricus KOOPMAN.
• Date. 1936.
• Country. Netherlands.
• Mechanism. Top pushbuttons.
• Material. Dark brown wood.
• Measurements. Length 11.02 in – Width 2.95 in – Height 6.30 in (Height with Push button 7.09 in).
• Weight. 30.34 oz.

Description: Koopman Chess Clock 1914

It is a medium size Dutch chess clock from the beginning of the past century. By the rear inscription ‘HK 1914’, everything indicates that it is one of the first chess clocks manufactured by the Koopman family.

it uses German-made alarm clocks.

The activation of this chess clock is by means of ‘Top Vertical Buttons’ located on both sides of the clock, a button for each player. Each button stops the clock and activates the opposite clock..

As purely decorative feature, each clock has a label in the shape of ‘Chess Board’ that, on the one hand, performs a decorative function and on the other hand covers the small superior Dial, which is rendered unusable for use in Chess games.

It is convenient to remember that the clocks that are normally used for the manufacture of Chess Clocks, are clocks that were originally designed for use as an alarm clock. Therefore, in a large number of chess clocks, it is used to place a label to cover the dials that are not used by the name of the manufacturer, the name of a chess club or as in this case, with a chess motive.

The chess clock does not present any indication of a chess club or chess tournament, so it is assumed to have had a particular use.

Presence in Chess Tournaments

We do not have photographic evidence of its use in any tournament, if you have any image, we would be grateful if you send it using the contact form..

Variations: Koopman Chess Clock 1914

KOOPMAN chess clock 1936

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Technical Characteristics: Koopman Chess Clock 1936

• Name. Koopman Chess Clock.
• Model. Hidden Dials.
• Maker. Hendricus KOOPMAN.
• Date. 1936.
• Country. Netherlands.
• Mechanism. Top pushbuttons.
• Material. Light brown wood.
• Measurements. Length 11.02 in – Width 2.76 in – Height 6.69 in (Height with Push button 7.09 in).
• Weight. 39.15 oz.

Description: Koopman Chess Clock 1936

It is a large Dutch chess clock, manufactured in 1936. The design of the wooden case was used by the manufacturer Koopman in the early years of the 20th century.

it uses German-made alarm clocks.

The activation of this chess clock is through “Vertical top buttons” located on both sides of the clock, a button for each player. Each button stops the clock and activates the opposite clock. The internal mechanism, which joins both buttons, is the mechanism initially used by the chess clocks of this manufacturer. In 1937, he changed the system and maintained it until the 1990s.

In the chess clock collection, we have another Koopman chess clock 1914 very similar, which differs in the assembly of different clocks. There is a difference of 30 years between the two clocks. From an aesthetic point of view, the wood is similar, but this one has a greater weight, … perhaps only by the use of different woods in the box.

Another interesting detail on the clock, is an inscription on the back cover, ‘BOOGAARD’ Hilversum. It seems to be the name of the former owner and the Dutch city of Hilversum.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that the dials that are not used have been covered with a label, which symbolizes a chess board. Another detail coinciding with the Koopman chess clock 1914.

Presence in Chess Tournaments

We do not have photographic evidence of its use in any tournament, if you have any image, we would be grateful if you send it using the contact form..

Variations: Koopman Chess Clock 1936

KOOPMAN chess clock 1914

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Technical Characteristics: Antique Dutch Chess Clock

• Name. Dutch Chess Clock.
• Model. Handcrafted.
• Maker. ‘De Volharding’ Watchmaker, G.Happé (Holland).
• Date. 1900 – 1920.
• Country. Netherlands.
• Mechanism. Upper sliding bar.
• Material. Dark oak wood.
• Measurements. Length 12.20 in (the bar and the box have the same length)- Width 4.13 in – Height 6.50 in.
• Weight. 45.15 oz.

Description: Antique Dutch Chess Clock

We have a Dutch Chess Clock from the beginning of the century, it was made in the period 1900-1920. It has large dimensions and a weight that exceeds 35 ounces.

Many Dutch chess clocks from the early century use the typical sliding bar in the upper area, which runs through the clock case throughout its length. Each player slides the wooden bar, causing the own clock to stop and activate the opposite clock.

The clocks that it assembles are of German origin, with some very attractive Dials, showing the digits with Roman Numerals.

Analyzing the clock in detail, it is worth mentioning the label pasted on the Dial, which shows ‘De Volharding’ Watchmaker G.HAPPÉ. Repairs 1st Class’ … could indicate the place of manufacture. This clock store that also manufactured musical instruments, could have mounted the Dutch Chess Clock.

At that time, the chess clocks were quite handmade and were not manufactured as mass production, it was very common to be manufactured by order and not in large quantities.

Presence in Chess Tournaments

It is a chess clock with few manufactured units, so its use in a great Tournament is unknown.

Variations: Antique Dutch Chess Clock

Unknown.
 

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