Chauncey Jerome of New Haven, Connecticut. Mantel clock. 212112.
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.
This is an excellent example of a Jerome Mantel Clock. The case is constructed in rosewood and retains a very light or thin finish. This case sits on a simple base. The front of this clock opens as a door. It is hinged on the right. This door is decorated with moldings that form a rectangle and a six-sided polygon. Both are trimmed on the inside with a gilt molding. The polygon frames the dial. It is fitted with glass, paint-decorated in black and gold, and forms a mask for the dial. The rectangle below is also fitted with a painted decoration. Here, colorful florals are depicted. This painted tablet is backed with wood. Here, the Maker impressed a label that provides directions for running this clock. The two buttons located in the middle of the door are gutta-percha. The details displayed in these are pressed into the product. The backboard is covered in its original paper with a pattern that reminds me of wallpaper. The tin dial is paper and original to this clock and is in excellent condition. The movement is brass and spring wound. It is designed to run for eight days on a full wind and strike each hour on a wire gong inside the case. This clock is also fitted with an alarm. This is mounted inside the case.
This model measures approximately 16.5 inches tall, 11.5 inches wide, and 4.75 inches deep.
It was made circa 1875.
Inventory number 212112.
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.
