Chauncey Jerome of New Haven, Connecticut.

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.

Clocks From This Maker

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… read more

Chauncey Jerome, The Paris model. A mantel clock under a glass dome. 212097.

This beautiful clock was made by Chauncey Jerome of New Haven, Connecticut, in the early 1850s. These were originally constructed in several formats and various combinations of materials. Some models had papier mache facades; others, like this… read more

Chauncey Jerome of New Haven, Connecticut. Mantel clock. 212112.

Chauncey Jerome of New Haven, Conn. A Beehive mantel clock. TT-157.

Chauncey Jerome of New Haven, Connecticut. A Beehive mantel clock. TT-157.

This is an excellent example of a Connecticut beehive mantel or shelf clock. It was made by Chauncey Jerome of New Haven, Connecticut. The case is constructed in mahogany and retains its original finish, which has darkened over its lifetime. This… read more

Chauncey Jerome of New Haven, Conn. An illuminator and Burglar Alarm Mantel Clock. This clock features a variation of the David M. Charters Patent issued October 21, 1873. YY-53.

Chauncey Jerome of New Haven, Connecticut. An illuminator and Burglar Alarm Mantel Clock. This clock features a variation of the David M. Charters Patent issued October 21, 1873. YY-53.

This is an excellent example of a very unusual Jerome Mantel Clock fitted with a David M. Charters Patent. David M. Charters of Xenia, Ohio, patented this “Improvement in Alarm Clocks” on October 21, 1873. This clock serves multiple functions.… read more