In course of time the use of bell-metal was discarded, and brass mortars, cast and afterwards turned in a lathe, came into vogue. These gradually became little used, and when pestles and mortars were needed in the domestic kitchen, more modern types of marble and composition were introduced. To-day, these once necessary domestic appliances are relegated to the chimney-piece as honoured ornaments in the kitchen; the older and more valuable bell-metal mortars being given more prominent positions upon sideboard or cabinet. Such is the story of the bellfounders, whose art remains among modern crafts. XI CIVIC EMBLEMS AND WEIGHTS AND MEASURES CHAPTER XI CIVIC EMBLEMS AND WEIGHTS AND MEASURES The ancient horn--The badge of office--Weighing instruments--Measures in Exeter Museum--Our standards. The sounding of brass and the tinkling of cymbals have heralded in many State pageants. Civic pomp and splendour have been enriched by brilliant uniforms, and the sunlight has flashed on many a thrilling event in national history. In the relics of former glories we find emblems of the doings of the past, and amidst ruined buildings or those halls now shorn of much of their former grandeur--their original purpose forgotten, or, perchance, misunderstood--the collector seeks symbols of office and hoards them when found as mere curios. In this chapter such civic emblems and prosaic weights and measures are grouped. A curious combination some may think. Very appropriate, however, when we note the close connection which once existed between those old corporations and guilds who rejoiced in emblems of office and enjoyed the custody of standards of weights and measures, fulfilling the duties which had been thrust upon them by powers and authorities only too willing to depute to private bodies necessary work for which they had no equipment and no organization. The Ancient Horn.