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Small ornamental clocks were among the medium priced ornamental objects that were in huge demand in the 19th century. This gave opportunities for enameled decorations to be added for a valuable, individualistic appearance for every piece, even when the actual metal clock housings were mass produced to a standard format. One of the most successful styles was the copying in miniature of the larger, square-cased portable clocks widely used in the 19th century and known by their French name of pendules portative or otherwise as carriage clocks. These had the important attribute that the movements did not lose accuracy when these clocks were moved about. This was a breakthrough of the period in clock design and the clock cases were made to be robust and with swing handles.... (2003) Complete Story
A cache of treasures that had lain hidden for some 300 years was unearthed in 1912, during excavation work in the Cheapside area of London. This was therefore known as the Cheapside Hoard and it is a collection of considerable historical importance. The pieces that comprise the Cheapside Hoard are chiefly in the Museum of London, and the most important items of jewellery are on permanent display. The collection, since its discovery has been an unparalleled marker for secular objects made prior to the second half of the 17th century. Indeed, so little comparative jewellery has survived that the discovery of the Hoard has been described as the finding of a time capsule....
(2005) Complete Story