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 Nations giant employers and producers during his lifetime. His autobiography has been reprinted and is available to purchase at the American Clock and Watch Museum in Bristol, CT. It is a worthy read.

This excellent example is often called a “Foil Front Mantel Clock.” It must have been one of Jerome’s more expensive models. We have seen very few of these offered in the marketplace and today, they are highly prized.

The case is constructed in rosewood. The grain patterned exhibited is excellent. The front of this clocks opens as a door. It is hinged on the right. As one opens the door, you will notice that the gilt decoration swings out with it. This door is trimmed with a delicate molding. This molding provides a frame for the glass. Behind the glass is the “Foil” decoration. This is actually a thick sheet of copper that has been skillfully tooled. The decoration is intricate and fine done. It is then covered in a gold wash. It is then laid over a black felt. Interestingly, we have seen several other colors used in this location. This makes it all the more fun to collect the set. The dial is mounted to a interior board that helps protect the movement. The dial is paper and original to this clock. It is in excellent condition. The movement is brass and spring wound. It is designed to run eight days on a full wind. It also incorporates a strike train that will strike each hour on a wire gong located inside the case.

This model measures approximately 16.25 inches tall, 10.25 inches wide and 4.25 inches deep. It was made circa 1855.

For the Jerome collector, Jerome also offered this “Foil Front” decoration on a small octagon gallery clock. The two compliment each other nicely.