A Flemish 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.  (General note on condition: All clock movements have been examined and any faults noticed have been described. However, I cannot guarantee the functionality of a movement. Please refer to photographs as an additional part of the condition report.)
 
Note on Belgian and Flemish clocks: Before Belgium became an independent country in 1830, the region was divided among a number of historic provinces and territories. Much of present-day Belgium formed the Southern Netherlands, including Flanders, Brabant, Hainaut and Namur, while Liège belonged to the separate Prince-Bishopric of Liège. During the 18th century most of the Southern Netherlands were under Austrian Habsburg rule and are therefore often referred to as the Austrian Netherlands. The wood carvers of this region 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 included Antwerp, Brussels, Mechelen, Liège, and Namur, and each developed its own distinctive style of case. 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 South Netherlandish 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.