The earliest clocks had no pendulum, but a balance controlled the movement, and about the middle of the seventeenth century the pendulum came into use. The original pendulum was short, about the length of the case, and as it swung would fly out at either side of the case, acquiring the name of "bob pendulum." It is sometimes found hung outside the case, and sometimes inside, and when the latter is true little slits are cut in the case to allow the pendulum to swing out on each side. Such clocks run not longer than from twelve to thirty hours. It will be noticed that at the top, on three sides, is a fret, put there partially to conceal the large bell and give finish to the piece, and these frets will often enable one to determine the age of a clock. Many clockmakers had their own private frets, while others followed the design most popular at that time. The clocks .also often have the maker's name engraved on the dial.

Figure 824. Portable or Table Clock, last quarter eighteenth century.

The fret on Figure 825 is called the "heraldic fret," and was used from 1600 to 1640, so that this clock is an extremely early one. The next pattern of fret most commonly found is the "dolphin fret" (Figure 827), which appeared about 1650 and remained popular throughout the rest of the time this style of clock was fashionable; consequently it is the pattern most commonly met with. It consisted either of two dolphins with tails crossed, or two dolphins with heads together and tails forming a curve at either side.

Figure 825. Chamber or Lantern Clock, last half seventeenth century.

Figure 826. Chamber or Lantern Clock, last half seventeenth century.

Another fret which was used by Charles Fox, clockmaker, and possibly a few others between 1660 and 1680 is shown in Figure 826, and a still later pattern is shown in Figure 828.

To return to Figure 825, it is arranged for an alarm only, and does not strike the hours, the alarm being set by a centre dial. It will be noted that in nearly all of these clocks there is but a single hand, telling the hour, and the space between is divided into fourths instead of fifths. The maker's name does not appear on this clock; it was found at Salem, Massachusetts.

Figure 826 is a more pretentious clock. It both strikes the hour and has the alarm, which is set in the same way as in the preceding clock, and the dial is very handsomely engraved. The upper side of the inner dial has the following inscription: "Charles Fox at the Fox Lothbury, Londini Fecit." Charles Fox was admitted to the Clockmakers' Company in 1660. This clock was found in New Jersey. It is more compact than Figure 825, but its dimensions are about the same, 15 inches high by 5¾ inches wide, and the dial is 6¼ inches in diameter.

Figure 827. Chamber or Lantern Clock, last half seventeenth century.

Figures 825 and 826 have the long pendulum substituted for the bob pendulum, probably because they would then keep better time. It was the fashion during the first twenty years of the eighteenth century to have this change made, and many advertisements are to be found of clockmakers who advertised to substitute long pendulums for short ones at reasonable charges.

The long or royal pendulum is supposed to have been invented by Richard Harris, at London, in 1641; but it found little favour at first, and the date when it came into common use is usually placed at 1680. It was also invented on the Continent at about the same time, apparently without knowledge of Harris invention, and it is possible that some of those found their way to this country before 1680.

Figure 827 shows a front and side view of a chamber clock which is particularly interesting because the works are in their original condition; the dial is in the usual form, nicely engraved, and has the centre section to set the alarm. The fret is in the "dolphin" pattern. This clock both strikes and has the alarm. The bob pendulum lies between the go and strike trains, and the release for the strike is bent in a loop to allow for its swing. A single weight runs the clock and strike. On the back plate is an alarm attachment. This has a crescent-shaped strike which rolls on the inner edge of the bell, making a continuous sound. A small separate weight runs the alarm. On the back plate are also two iron spikes meant to hold the clock firmly to the wall or to the bracket. This clock is the property of the writer.

Figure 828 shows another clock of this same style. It is very much smaller than the others shown, being but 9 inches in height and 3¾ inches wide, and the dial is 4¼ inches in diameter. It still has its bob pendulum, which can be seen in the illustration hanging in the middle between the four feet, and it also has the minute-hand. This clock strikes, but has no alarm, and is thought to be of French make.

Figure 828. Chamber or Lantern Clock, last quarter seventeenth century.