Turner’s Patent 8-day alarm. Sharp Gothic or Steeple Clock made by Chauncey Jerome of New Haven, Connecticut. AAA-24.
At first glance, this rare example looks like most any other time, strike and alarm steeple clock. But looks can be deceiving. This clock is constructed with “J. S. Turner’s Patent Eight Day Alarm. “When one opens the door, it becomes evident that something is different.
This clock is unusual because it has a movement configuration that Jonathan S. Turner patented on July 13, 1852. The patent number is 9,123. This patented movement has been found in Beehive clocks and a small OOG case. An example of the latter is currently in the museum collection in Bristol, Connecticut. Directions for its use are explained in the original label. This label is pasted onto the back of the door inside the case. This unusual movement is spring-powered and is designed to run for eight days on a full wind. It also features an eight-day alarm that is fitted between the two main plates of the movement. The alarm train is positioned where one would normally expect to find the strike train. This movement is designed so that the alarm feature is wound once a week. It also features an automatic shut-off for the alarm that prevents it from running out the spring each time it is engaged. Once set, this mechanism engages the alarm at the same time during each day of the week. One alarm every 24 hours. In other words, the alarm sounds for a specific duration (in excess of 15 seconds) and then shuts itself off before the spring is exhausted. This is unlike most thirty-hour alarms, which must be wound with each use. This clock does not strike on the hour. It does not have a strike train.
This case form was originally called a “Sharp Gothic.” Today, it is commonly called a “Steeple” clock. The case is veneered in mahogany and retains an older finish that has been cleaned. The movement is constructed in brass and powered by two eight-day coil springs. It is wound with a key. The alarm hammer swings inside the bell and hits it on both sides. The keeper for the alarm hammer is mounted to the side of the case. This clock retains its original painted dial. The decorative tablet in the lower section of the door is a traditional design. This design features a frosted decoration that was very popular for the period. It is original to this clock.
To my knowledge, seven of these Turner’s Patent clocks have now come to our attention. This is a very fine example. The case measures approximately 20 inches tall, 10 inches wide, and 4.75 inches deep. It was made circa 1855.
Inventory number AAA-24.
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.
