s of English table or mantel clocks-The evolution o

swings exactly in a second, and for it to do this it must be of a certain length, determined by physical laws followed according to mechanical formul? by the scientific clockmaker, too complex to be given here in detail. It ma

eparture from miniature timepieces as decorative domestic ornaments. Scientific it undoubtedly was, and as such it commenced a new development in the direction of astronomical clocks and scientific regulators of time. The table clock had to pursue another course. It belongs to another school of mechanism. The weight-driven clock strove to arrive at exactitude and scientific accuracy. The other clock, like the watch, attempted economy of space in conjunction with the maximum of exactitude such economy would allow. It essayed to fulfil certain conditions. It was easily portable, it could stand on a table, or more often on the mantelpiece, a place it can almost c

S. LATE SEVEN

tson (Coventr

Width, 9? in.

Knibb (Oxon)

. Width, 8 in

of Percy We

S. EARLY EIGH

, at Ye Mermaid in L

in. Width, 11?

Johnson, Gray'

abou

in. Width, 7 i

e table clocks have been to a comparatively fixed form. They stand in solidarity of workmanship and perfection of mechanical detail as exhibiting the superlative character of English clockmaking. During that period, in long procession, generation after generation, they have upheld the dignity of the science of horology as practised by English clockmakers, whose craftsmanship and perfection of exact detail deservedly won a reputation on the Continent a

tween the principles of the one and the principles of the other was confined to the workshop of the clockmaker who set himself to master the intricacies of two styles. It was a friendly rivalry which is found to exist in othe

ase, and having a brass basket-top decoration surmounted by a handle showing its use as a portable clock. This handle is retained in the carriage clock of to-day-a clock which finds a prototype in the carriage clo

S. MID-EIGHTE

age (Ipswich)

Width, 12? in

y Poy (London

. Width, 11 i

of Percy We

EIGHTEENTH CENTU

ohnson (

in. Width, 9?

Hill (Fleet St

in. Width, 1 f

s of simpler form. These two examples indicate that fine work was done in the provinces. By the end of the reign of William III the table clock had grown taller. The example illustrated (p. 183), by Thomas Loomes, is 15? inches high and 11? inches wide. It will be noticed that the basket top was still being made, and from now onwards the four turned brass terminals at the top became a feature and lasted for a century. By the first quarter of the eighteenth century a lunette had been added, a

massive grandeur about the cases which suited the early Georgian mansions and Hogarthian furniture of the period. These eight-day striking and alarum clocks had become a feature of the English home. The fine provincial example by John Page, of Ipswich, is 24 inches high and 12? inches wide. In addition to the four terminals

of England by French and Spanish fleets, and contemplated invasion of Ireland by the Dutch fleet. In this reign, too, there came what may be termed the industrial revolution due to the introduction of machinery and steam-power. The growing wealth of the middle classes demanded more luxurious furniture. Merchants and manufacturers, shipo

CAN C

n form of lyre, richly gil

& Dyer (Bost

Metropolitan Museu

EIGHTEENTH CENTU

ohnson (

in. Width, 9?

Hill (Fleet St

in. Width, 1 f

nted clock dial with no works. Early nineteenth century.

ection o

ature delicate brackets-a female bust, suggesting in miniature the figure-head of some Indiaman. It is a pleasant ornament one would like to have seen more often adopted. The adjacent clock, by Tho

sic interpretation of the French school. To treat of French clocks would occupy a space that is denied in this outline study of English work. But that they are of paramount importance cannot be denied. The French craftsman, as he always did, realized the possibilities of his subject. His cases are elaborate and imaginative in conception. His fertility of invention is remarkable. On the whole it must be admitted that the ca

Art, New York, an American clock is illustrated (p. 193), the makers being Savin and Dyer, of Boston. T

side is painted in blue a Chinese scene, on the other is a clock-face in imitation of a French dial. But the hands perpetually mark seventeen minutes past eight. In copper lustre-ware this vase with its sham dial served the cottager as something orna

S. LATE EIGHT

ander Cummi

e,

in. Width, 8?

name. Date,

in. Width, 10?

of Percy We

LY NINETEENTH CENTU

arraud (

. Width, 12 i

rowbridge

Width, 10 in.

or in old clocks, that in such a year a certain style ends. Approximately, one may determine periods and by close application discover slight indications of new styles beginning to

process of losing its lunette. It makes its ascent on the case to take its place as in later styles. This raising of the dial affected the top of the case, which became of circular form. The transitional period is shown by the orn

s averse to parting with the lunette. He accordingly places the dial in the centre of the case and has a crescent-shaped ornament, with a design adapted by the metal-worker from the

205), where the maker, Biddell, refrained from following the line of the circular dial in his case. The adjacent example, in date 1800 to 1815, shows

fine clock in ebony case inlaid with blue and white Wedgwood medallions is a remarkable example (illustrated p. 207). An especially notewo

lient features of such clocks, which are sought after by collectors and car

ET CL

London). Date, 1

in. Width, 10

maker. Da

? in. Width, 1

TABLE

white Wedgwood jasper ware. Enriche

y of Nottingham Mus