Pictures

Chauncey Jerome 8-Day OG clock, circa 1840-44

       This clock was purchased on August 14, 2006 at public auction from Nelson Auction Gallery, Trappe, Md.

       The label indicates that the clock was manufactured by Chauncey Jerome, Bristol, Conn. A Treasury of American Clocks, by Brooks Palmer, indicates that Chauncey Jerome was operating in Bristol from 1822 to 1844. Two Hundred Years of American Clocks & Watches, by Chris Bailey, indicates that the Jerome factories in Bristol burned in 1845, after which Jerome's operations moved to New Haven, Conn. It was about this time when brass was replacing wood as the material of choice for clock movements, which suggests that this brass movement clock was probably made around 1840-44.

       The face appears to be a new silk-screened metal replacement, appropriate for this style clock. The hands would seem correct for an OG clock, but are also probably modern replacements. The tablet is a replacement with an attractive and appropriate design. The upper glass is also a replacement. A winding crank was in the clock case when received and has age-appropriate wear, and could be the actual original key. The label is original and mostly complete, but lose and fragile in places. As received, the case was in good condition and had been carefully refinished. The veneer around the outer edge appears to have been removed and the base wood finished to match the rest of the case. A decorative trim piece, not belonging to this clock, was removed from the top of the case. The clock, as received, included two approximately 3-pound iron weights, which were replaced with 8-pound iron weights as appropriate for an 8-day clock like this.

       The movement is in good condition and required only minor adjustment and lubrication. The clock is now running and striking correctly. Although many of the original decorative parts have been replaced, this is still an attractive clock. Most OG clocks from this period had 30-hour movements. 8-day OG's are much less common and highly desired. Pictures below show the clock details.

• OG style wood clock case
• 8-Day weight driven brass movement
• Time and strike on the hour only
• Painted metal face
• 29 x 16½ x 4¼ inches
• Two 8+ lb. iron weights (not original)
• Coiled wire strike gong
• Circa 1840-44

The information on this page is believed to the writer to be correct at the date of posting but is presented with no guarantee expressed or implied. Pictures were a true representation of this clock at the time of posting but may not be current. Please contact me if you believe that any of the above information is incorrect, or if you wish to share additional information about this clock.

Unless otherwise credited, the pictures and information on this page are the property of Robert H Croswell & Greenfield Clock shop, 4180 Main Street, Trappe, MD 21673 and may not be sold or used for commercial purposes without permission. © 2016