Maker, Unknown. Case made in Germany, c. 1880. Miniature tower clock probably French, same vintage. Three train, eight day duration in Walnut a burl wood case. Steel strap framed design, Count wheel quarter striking. Graham type dead beat escapement, one second wooden rod pendulum. Case = 91"h x 21"w x 9 1/2"d, movement = 13 1/2"w x 9"h x 5"d.

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This video shows a miniature three train tower clock that is mounted within a domestic tall case (Grandfather) clock. Some European tower clock makers offered a miniature of their full-sized versions in a grandfather-type case for domestic use, mostly as an advertisement for their wares. These were always quite rare since it was unlikely that the wife would like to have such an "engineers" style grandfather clock in the house. On my website I have facsimiles from several catalogs that depict these miniature tower clocks in tall cases, but none have the refinement of this one. The wood has burl inlay, carving and brass covered weights. This clock really could be at home in a refined domestic environment.

The wood case has Art Nouveau design features popular in late 1800's in both Germany as well as the United States. The dial also has strong Germanic type numbering. The movement itself, however looks to be of French design. The style of strike locking and release levers as well as the pilot dial adjustment mechanism all have French design. For comparison see a full sized three train tower clock as well as a miniature exhibition tower clock, both by Gourdin of France.

Sometimes the makers of full-sized tower clocks made miniatures meant to be used and specially displayed in a domestic environment like this one. Wagner, Mannhardt, Wuele as well as other did this. These clocks were never widely popular; imagine convincing the Misses that this clock is preferable to a conventional Grandfather clock in the house! Therefore these are quite rare.