Clocks of all types have always been popular with collectors. The eighteenth-century tall case, or grandfather's clock, was designed to house a works with a long pendulum. In 1816, Eli Terry patented a new, smaller works for a clock, and the case became smaller. The clock could be kept on a shelf instead of on the floor. By 1840, coiled springs were used and even smaller clocks were made. Battery-powered electric clocks were made in the 1870s. Electric blinking-eye clocks were figural clocks designed in the 1870s. Animated clocks in the shape of dogs, cats, flowers, comic characters, or clowns were popular from 1900 to 1950. A garniture set can include a clock and other objects displayed on a mantel.
