103. $750
C. & N. Jerome “Eight Day Repeating Brass Clock”, 1834-1839. Just to get started on the right foot, this is a rare clock. Brothers Chauncey and Noble Jerome worked together for about five years, making mostly wooden movement clocks; it became apparent soon enough that prices for these clocks were too low to be profitable, motivating Chauncey to develop the “cheap brass clock movement” that revolutionized the clock business. The 8-day brass movement in this clock was not the first, but it had several unusual characteristics, including an internal rack and snail strike movement that Jerome incorrectly (intentionally?) labeled as “repeating”. A rack and snail strike offered the ability to trigger a repeat strike of the last hour, but it appears that the Jeromes did not actually include such a trigger mechanism, which could be as simple as a wire connected to the strike lever. Oh well, the advertisement in the middle panel of this clock no doubt sold clocks during a tough economic time for the clock industry.
This clock stands 39 inches high with an absolutely gorgeous finish on the mahogany veneer, including flame mahogany on the columns and beveled center panel (full disclosure: this clock has undergone extensive restoration). The design of this clock turned out to be a drawback, as it is very narrow (about 5 inches in depth), making it rather unstable, particularly when the weights are at the top of the clock. The ball feet didn’t help. The cornice window holds a painted wooden strip with gesso and gold ornamentation, much like the dial board; the dial glass is period, but the glazing has been replaced. The center panel is again a painted board with gilt lettering; some examples of this model had the same lettering on a glass. There are some paint chips to the panel. The lower glass is modern with a modern tablet image and new glazing. The wood dial, with extensive gilding, is clean and without losses, the hands are correct. The brass movement is clean and running, striking on an iron bell the size of an Indiana muskmelon with a deep resonant sound. The movement is not signed; note the internal rack and snail mechanism mentioned above. There is a period pendulum bob, two large iron weights, and a good label inside. Cottone’s sold a similar example in 2017 for around $750. $750-$1250.
Antique American Clocks July 2022
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