Chauncey Jerome of New Haven, Connecticut. A figured walnut case mantel clock. 220083.
This is a very unusual mantel clock that is thought to have been made by Chauncey Jerome. The dometop-shaped case is veneered in wonderfully figured selections of wood. The grain pattern is vibrant. The base section is three-dimensionally formed. The lower panel in the front lifts opens as a door. It is hinged at the top and provides access to the pendulum bob. The brass bezel is fitted with glass and is hinged on the right. This swings open to access the dial and the hands. The tin dial is painted and is original to this clock. The two hands are a traditional Jerome form. The movement is brass and is spring-powered. It is designed to run for eight days fully wound and strike each hour on a wire gong. 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 220083.
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.
