A Belgian oak longcase clock, the signature boss signed J.G. Van Hamme, a Bruscelles, 18th century.  Finely engraved dial with the unusual and attractive feature of some features in a mirror-polished finish and others in a flat matted finish.  Eight-day time and strike brass movement.
 
Height 8'6"
 
Condition: Overall in good condition.  Broken suspension bracket (see photo of movement).  Missing second hand.  No gearing for the days of the month markings on the dial.
 
Note on Belgian clocks: Before 1830, the country now known as Belgium was made up of Flanders and the edges of surrounding countries that fought over the territory for centuries. The wood carvers of this area are well known for their quality work, and much of Europe's finest oak furniture and clocks were produced here. In the 18th century, the major clockmaking cities were Antwerp, Brussels, Mechelen, Liege, and Namur, and each developed their own unique style in form. A majority of the clock cases were installed with 30-hour movements, even those housed in the finest cases, but many high quality eight-day movements were also produced. For a brief history of Belgian clocks as well as a helpful pictorial guide, see "French Clocks the World Over", by Tardy, Part Three, chapter XXI, "Belgium", where over 60 Belgian longcase clocks are pictured.
 
In the book, "Uurwerkmakers En Uurwerknijverheid in Vlaanderen", by Eddy Fraiture, there are two makers with the name, Hamme.   A maker by the name of P. Van Hamme is recorded as working in Brussels in the 18th century, and another maker by the name of Joannes Franciscus Van Hamme, is recorded as working in Antwerp in 1778.