146.           $175

Chauncey Jerome Empire shelf clock, ca. 1850.  Jerome moved to New Haven after his factory in Bristol, CT burned down in 1845.  This clock shows just him as the maker, but about 1855 he formed Jerome & Co. and they continued to use the Chauncey Jerome name.  These flat-front empires are distinctly his, and I know of no other maker who adopted this style.  The 24-inch case (17 inches wide) is veneered in flame mahogany; both glasses are period/original, with a tablet depicting Venice, Italy, I believe.  There are just a few missing flakes.  The small dial is wood and bears the very faded name ‘Chauncey Jerome, New Haven’ above and below the mainstem.  The minute hand is a replacement. The 30-hour, time-and-strike brass movement is stamped “Chauncey Jerome, New Haven Conn, USA”.  It is running and striking, driven by two old iron weights.  The paper label inside is in good shape.  Schmidt’s Antiques sold one last fall for $170, plus the juice (25%).   $175-$400.