Chauncey Jerome of New Haven, Connecticut. An illuminator and Burglar Alarm Mantel Clock. This clock features a variation of the David M. Charters Patent issued October 21, 1873. YY-53.
This is an excellent example of a very unusual Jerome Mantel Clock fitted with a David M. Charters Patent.
David M. Charters of Xenia, Ohio, patented this “Improvement in Alarm Clocks” on October 21, 1873.
This clock serves multiple functions. Its primary purpose is a 30-hour clock designed to strike each hour on the hour. The bell is mounted inside the case onto the backboard. This bell is struck by a hammer once for each hour. This clock is also designed with an alarm. The alarm can wake someone in the room by repeatedly striking a second bell with a hammer. This second dedicated bell is also mounted inside the case. To use this function, one would typically set the alarm and wind it the night before one wished to wake in the morning. This alarm also has the unusual option of lighting an oil lamp. The lamp is mounted on top of the case, illuminating the room in which the clock was positioned. This feature would be very handy in the wintertime in the Northern latitudes. An additional feature of this clock incorporates the brass-made device mounted to the left side of the case. You will notice that the device has six individual levers. Each of these can be locked into a position of engagement. They are designed to have a string tied to the top of each lever. The strings are individually mounted and are secured at the other ends to a variety of locations. Most commonly, one would affix them to doors, but why limit yourself? You could also attach them to windows and any object one wished not to have moved, like a valuable clock on the wall or even a painting on the wall. By moving the object, the string is pulled. This then releases the engaged levers on the clock, which will set the alarm mechanism in the clock in motion. The alarm bell will ring, and the lighting apparatus at the top of the case will be activated, resulting in the match being struck and the oil lamp being lit. The uses for this are unlimited.
The case is constructed in figured walnut, and it retains an older finish. A bold molding forms the base of the case and helps steady the clock on the mantel. At the front of this clock is a door. This is hinged on the right and still retains its original guttapercha knob. This knob is nicely detailed. Additional pieces of guttapercha are used in the design of the door as framing. In the lower section, it forms a frame around an oval-shaped painting featuring a harbor view. In the upper section of the door, the guttapercha is used as a spandrel decoration that frames the dial. All of this is trimmed with brass. The back of the door is fitted with the Maker’s instruction label. This information is pressed into a wooden panel that backs the lower section of the door.
The dial is painted on time and features Roman-style hour numerals. A brass alarm disk is located in the center.
The movement is brass and spring wound. It is designed to run for thirty hours on a full wind and strike each hour on a bell inside the case. This clock is also fitted with an alarm. The spring wound alarm mechanism and the dedicated alarm bell are inside the case. The brass-made device mounted to the left side of the case is used for the alarm function of the clock.
This very unusual clock measures 17.25 inches tall to the top of the lighting device, 12.25 inches wide and 4.5 inches deep.
To set this alarm, one needs to perform the following procedure. It may be best to ensure the lamp is fueled and the wick is exposed and in good order. Next, install a wooden match in the holder positioned to the right of the lamp. The match will cross over the wick. The match-striking mechanism is located on the left. It is spring-loaded. To engage it, one must push the clip to the right and open the end to grip the match. This is tension, so when the alarm releases it, it will spring back, and the surface of the clip will abrade the match head to fire the match, thus lighting the lamp. The operator will then have light.
Inventory number YY-53.
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 nation's giant employers and producers during his lifetime. His autobiography has been reprinted and is available at the American Clock and Watch Museum in Bristol, CT. It is a worthy read.
Chauncey began his clockmaking career as a joiner. First, making wooden dials for tall clocks, and then in 1816, he went to work for Eli Terry. Jerome made the cases for Terry's Pillar & Scroll shelf clocks. Soon, he decided to work for himself, making cases and trading them with Terry for his movements. By 1822, Jerome moved his business to Bristol. He was an innovator in clock case construction and design. In 1842, he again moved his shop, this time to New Haven.
In 1850, Jerome formed the Jerome Manufacturing Company. In 1853, he formed the New Haven Clock Co.
Throughout his lifetime, he weathered numerous business disasters and windfalls. He was a well-respected citizen and served in the state legislature and as mayor of New Haven. He died penniless in 1868.
