Chauncey Jerome of New Haven, Connecticut. A three-quarter size Column and Cornice Mantel clock. CCC-77.
This column and cornice mantel clock features a popular case form that several competing firms produced. This is a scaled-down version. This case measures 26.5 inches tall compared to the standard version, which is often 37 inches tall. The proportions of this clock are excellent.
The case is constructed in mahogany and features figured rosewood veneers. The woodwork retains an old surface. It is an Empire form featuring a broad cornice molding, fully turned columns, and two doors. The doors are designed with beveled moldings. The lower door is fitted with a paint-decorated glass panel. The original artwork is in excellent condition. This door opens to access the brass-faced pendulum bob. The upper door is divided into two sections. The paint-decorated glass is original. Unfortunately, it suffered a crack that runs across its middle. Both glasses are decorated from the back. The upper glass is original to this clock.
The dial is painted on wood and is in excellent original condition. The four spandrel locations are decorated with painted floral designs. A dotted minute ring frames the Roman-style hour numerals. This dial is also signed, "Chauncey Jerome / New Haven, Conn." The dial's center is cut away, allowing one to view the movement and escape wheel. This subtly ensures the viewer that this clock is equipped with a brass movement.
The weight-powered brass movement is designed to run for 30 hours before rewinding. It is a time-and-strike example incorporating a countwheel in the strike train. It strikes the hour on a coil wire gong mounted inside the case. The movement plates are blanked from a solid sheet of brass. The factory die-stamped the front plate.
The Clockmakers' label is in excellent original condition and is inside the case, pasted on the backboard. It reads, "PATENT BRASS / CLOCKS, /MANUFACTURED AND SOLD BY / CHAUNCY JEROME, / NEW HAVEN, CONN. / WARRANTED GOOD." The directions for setting up the clock are printed on this label below.
This case is 26.5 inches tall. The cornice molding is 15.5 inches wide and 5 inches deep. The base measured 14.5 inches wide and 4.5 inches deep. As a result, this clock will fit on most colonial mantels. It is also a fantastic candidate to be hung on the wall.
This clock was made circa 1845.
Inventory number CCC-77.
Chauncey Jerome was born in 1793 in Canaan, Connecticut, the son of a blacksmith and a nail-maker. He has a storied history in the Connecticut clock industry, becoming one of our nation's giant employers and producers during his lifetime. His autobiography has been reprinted and is available at the American Clock and Watch Museum in Bristol, CT. It is a worthy read.
Chauncey began his clockmaking career as a joiner. First, making wooden dials for tall clocks, and then in 1816, he went to work for Eli Terry. Jerome made the cases for Terry's Pillar & Scroll shelf clocks. Soon, he decided to work for himself, making cases and trading them with Terry for his movements. By 1822, Jerome moved his business to Bristol. He was an innovator in clock case construction and design. In 1842, he again moved his shop, this time to New Haven.
In 1850, Jerome formed the Jerome Manufacturing Company. In 1853, he formed the New Haven Clock Co.
Throughout his lifetime, he weathered numerous business disasters and windfalls. He was a well-respected citizen and served in the state legislature and as mayor of New Haven. He died penniless in 1868.
