The practise of inserting a printed paper label within a clock by the maker or retailer may have developed from a similar, earlier usage among American cabinetmakers. Early labels were printed from engraved plates, after 1800 from type. Printed labels were used by the Willards at Boston and Eli Terry and others in Connecticut before 1812, but increasing competition among clock manufacturers led to the almost universal introduction of labels, 12in. By 10in. , pasted inside the backboard of cases. Originally it may have been the intention of Terry to protect his patent clock by the label, but it soon became an important advertising technique. Between 1825 and 1835 almost a standard format was available from several Connecticut printers. The centre panel denoted the type of clock, the maker or seller and his location, and almost always added 'warranted, if well used'. Although many labels denoted makers of clocks, the majority were inserted by business entrepreneurs who purchased movements and cases in the wholesale market and had the labels printed to assist sales. The use of smaller printed paper labels continued throughout the 19th century.