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The Oude Schans canal ("old rampart" in Dutch) with the Montelbaanstoren in Amsterdam, between 1895 and 1897.
The Montelbaanstoren is a former defense tower dating from 1606. At that time, the Oudeschans was part of the defense system. Originally, the tower consisted only of the lower half; the spire with the clock was added later, when it lost its defensive function. It is also popularly known as "Malle Jaap" ("Silly Jacob") because the clock sometimes ran inaccurately.
At the time the old photo was taken, the Montelbaanstoren was under the authority of the Municipal Water Board; today it is home to a canal tour company.
The white building on the right (now demolished) was a primary school, built in 1895.