The earliest domestic clock was the hanging iron Gothic clock, but the application of the mainspring led to its being redesigned to make it portable. The earliest spring clock movements resembled those of Gothic clocks; the most important changes in the design were the provision of a case to protect the wheels, the provision of a horizontal dial, and the introduction of the fusee connected to the spring barrel with a gut line. The movements of early table clocks were of iron; the cases were richly decorated with engraving, decorative castings, repoussé work and gilding. Some examples were provided with cases of precious metal, and for that reason many have been destroyed. Tablet.