e memory of most of us; it
is obvious, therefore, that old watches were supplied with old keys,
many of which were curious in form. The collector in search of a small
group of collectable curios finds the watch key an excellent variety on
which to specialize. When larger clocks were supplemented by the pocket
watch, the loose key with which to wind it up naturally took the form of
the larger clock keys. Such keys soon became more ornamental, for they
were either carried in the pocket or attached to a chatelaine or bunch
of keys; many of the bows were modelled on the pattern of other keys on
the bunch.

In the accompanying illustration, Fig. 87, some little idea may be
formed of the early developments. The three keys in the upper row are of
the clock-winder type, showing the gradual improvement in their
formation. Then came a development of the metal keys, mostly of brass,
the engraving and modelling of the key itself being improved, the
ornamentation being supplemented by enamelling. The watch key ultimately
became very ornate, for the more precious metals were gradually
introduced, and rich enamels, rare gems and stones, and Wedgwood cameos
were added.

Pinchbeck metal was very much used for watch keys, the fob seals
remaining in fashion until knee breeches went out. Some of the French
keys are extremely decorative, and many cut and polished steel keys are
worth collecting. It is said that Switzerland is one of the happy
hunting-grounds of the watch-key collector, but there are many curio
shops, both on the Continent and in this country, where fancy keys can
be bought still at reasonable prices. In some localities special designs
and metal have been made. Thus it is said that in Holland the silver
keys of large size were long favoured, and many of these are still on
sale. Another special feature about these curios is that makers at one
time specialized on trade emblems, and it is quite possible to get
together an interesting collection representing the attributes of
musicians, butchers, bakers, and horticulturists, one signifying the
latter industry being shown in Fig. 87, that on the left-hand corner of
the lower row being fashioned in the form of a spade and a rake.

Watch Stands.

There are some very quaint old wood watch stands used chiefly as the
temporary home of the watch at night, although some seem to have been
permanently used by those who possessed a second watch. Some of the wood
carvings were covere