TAMAN & Cie, Brussels, Belgium, c. 1850's. Two train with rack and snail strike. Brass hybrid flat bed frame. Pinwheel escapement. One second wood rod pendulum (replacement). Harrison type maintaining power. 25"w x 16"h x 14"d.

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The fact that the frame was cast in brass as well as the fine finish on the other parts of this clock indicate that it was meant to be seen. The maker's identification engraving is beautiful. The stepped end pieces of the side frame braces follow early French design as can also be seen in a small miniature tower clock made as a domestic skeleton clock from the same period.

Notice the similarities in the frame design to other French makers, Odobey and Cretin. In particular the modified chairframe design, where the winding barrels are far longer than the rest of the wheels in the clock is identical to the Cretin. Note also the similar ways in which outboard weights are used on the strike train to set the rack's gathering pallet and it's associated locking lever. Same functions as in the Cretin. The wheel bearings are attached to the frame in the same manner. The frame is quite robust for such a diminutive tower clock at over 1/2". I have been told that this clock came from the main Brussels train station, but cannot confirm this.