Antiques & Auctions: Exotic Elephant Clocks Used as Gifts and Bribes; TIMEKEEPERS: `Sing-Songs' First Appeared during Renaissance Period

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Byline: JEFFERY MUSE

TABLE clocks or watches are rare if they were made during the 16th Century.

Many collectors have been bitterly disappointed when offering their prized possession up to scrutiny. An original timekeeper would have no glass covering the dial and though they were also being made on the continent, in France and Holland, before the turn of the new century, so many genuine pieces survive it is believed all have been accredited.

Authentic clocks of the period would be held together by means of catgut if this was a fuse movement, and not a chain. Lacking also would be a controlling spring to the balance and the necessary balance-cock would be unusually narrow and not, as would be expected, cover all the balance.

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