o
and fro and the loud tick which can be heard all over the room, gives a
sort of venerated respect for the "grandfather," with its massive and
often richly carved or inlaid oaken or mahogany case, making it an
important piece of furniture in the room.

[Illustration: FIG. 86.--FINE GOTHIC FRENCH CLOCK.

(_In the collection of W. Egan & Sons, Ltd., Cork._)]

The Cromwellian lantern clock was beautiful in its way, and it may be
regarded as the earliest type of commonly used domestic clocks, most of
which were made at a later period than is denoted by the name of
Cromwellian. They are, however, of a good respectable age, and are now
really valuable household antiquities. The lantern clock may be
regarded as the ancestor of the "grandfather," the works of which were
protected by a wooden case. The evolution from the earlier type is quite
easy to follow, for the wooden hood to protect the clock on the bracket
shelf was added; then came the framed head, which was glazed, and
eventually the lower case covering the weights.

Much has been written about "grandfathers" and the smaller variety
commonly designated "grandmothers." The dials of the earlier specimens
are of brass and have only the hour hand, an onward step being marked
when the minute finger was added. The mechanical arrangement by which
the days of the week and the month were indicated was a happy addition,
although some would, doubtless, regard them as somewhat unnecessary. The
collector of antiques is likely to be imposed upon unless he is
acquainted with the technical construction of both works and frame or
case, for it is not an uncommon thing to fit in a modern antique case a
set of old works.

The timepiece is an innovation of comparatively recent days. From the
first it became the central ornament on the mantelpiece, and many
artists were employed in providing suitable designs and combining
various materials to produce clocks in keeping with prevailing styles of
furniture and decoration. The French clockmakers became experts as
designers of the smaller and more varied cases of mantelpiece clocks,
many fine examples of the Empire period ranking as art treasures as well
as curios.

Fig. 86 represents an exceptionally fine example of a Gothic French
clock, beautifully modelled, and in excellent condition. Some of the
gilt clocks and side vases to match were bought as mantelpiece
ornaments, rather than for their merit as timekeepers, although the best
mak