1845 vintage Chauncey Jerome pendulum clock
In the realm of American antique clocks, Chauncey Jerome's 30-hour or one-day clocks hold a significant place, particularly those produced between the 1830s and 1850s. These timepieces, known for their affordability and distinctive designs, were instrumental in democratising timekeeping in the United States.
Chauncey Jerome, a pioneering Connecticut clockmaker, revolutionised the industry by mass-producing clocks with brass movements from around 1838. His clocks, with their brass movements and wooden cases often adorned with reverse glass paintings, became accessible to the American middle class.
The clock under restoration, a Chauncey Jerome ogee shelf clock, is a testament to this era. Its distinctive S-curve molding and brass movement hark back to the mid-19th century, a time when these clocks mirrored the furniture aesthetics of the era.
However, with the advent of eBay, the supply of ogee clocks has increased, causing prices to drop significantly. This decline in demand, coupled with the age and rarity of these clocks, makes finding replacement parts a challenge. Nevertheless, horological societies and collectors specialise in these movements, providing a lifeline for restoration.
Restoring a Chauncey Jerome clock is a meticulous process. It involves cleaning and repairing the brass movement, replacing or fabricating missing parts such as hands, dials, and pendulums, and restoring wooden cases and reverse glass paintings delicately to preserve original aesthetics. Achieving the correct patina on new parts is crucial to maintain the clock's antique appearance.
The Chauncey Jerome clock in question requires repair to its case using traditional materials like shellac, old slot head screws, old wood, and square nails. A replacement coil gong will be sourced from a donor ogee case, while the clock came with the correct weights, but the strike bell, suspension spring and leader, and a top wooden block are missing.
Despite the challenges, these clocks remain sought after by collectors of American antique clocks. Their value depends on factors such as condition, completeness, and rarity. For instance, the ogee shelf clock with reverse glass painting is more desirable. Prices can vary widely, with these clocks often commanding hundreds to a few thousand dollars.
The demand for these clocks is stable among antique enthusiasts, particularly those interested in early American industrial heritage and horology. As the owner of this Chauncey Jerome clock, I am a fan of weight-driven clocks and add them to my collection when possible.
In conclusion, restoring a Chauncey Jerome 30-hour clock is a labour of love that requires specialist skill and the creation or sourcing of parts. Programs like those by the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) provide valuable knowledge on authentic restoration techniques, including achieving proper patina on replacement components to preserve authenticity. With the current market showing steady interest among collectors, now might be the best time to buy an ogee clock and become a part of this rich horological history.
[1] "Chauncey Jerome Clocks," The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Inc., accessed March 10, 2023, https://www.nawcc.org/education/library/books/books/book_view.php?id=814. [2] "Chauncey Jerome Clocks," NAWCC Preservation Series, accessed March 10, 2023, https://nawcc.org/preservation/preservation-series/chauncey-jerome-clocks/. [3] "Chauncey Jerome," Encyclopædia Britannica, accessed March 10, 2023, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chauncey-Jerome.
- The restoration process of a Chauncey Jerome ogee shelf clock, a vintage mechanical clock, showcases the intersection of fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden, as traditional materials like shellac, square nails, and old wood are used to maintain the clock's original aesthetics, making it a lifestyle choice for collectors.
- As horological societies and collectors specialise in the repair and restoration of mechanical clocks like those produced by Chauncey Jerome, their value remains stable among antique enthusiasts, ensuring that these vintage clocks continue to be a desirable addition to any home-and-garden setting or lifestyle choice.
- While the clock repair and restoration process can be challenging, particularly in sourcing replacement parts, the demand for these fashionable and historically significant mechanical clocks from the mid-19th century, such as Chauncey Jerome's 30-hour clocks, remains high among those interested in fashion, lifestyle, and early American industrial heritage, making them a valuable investment.
