Chauncey Jerome of New Haven, Connecticut.

 

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.

 

Clocks From This Maker

Chauncey Jerome Bristol, Connecticut. A Miniature Pillar & Scroll Shelf Clock 1830. ZZ-66.
Chauncey Jerome Bristol, Connecticut. A Miniature Pillar & Scroll Shelf Clock 1830. ZZ-66.
  Chauncey Jerome of Bristol, Connecticut, made this miniature Pillar & Scroll shelf clock. This is a difficult model to find due to the seemingly small number of miniature clocks produced. This is based on the very limited opportunities to… read more
Turner’s Patent 8-day alarm. Sharp Gothic or Steeple Clock made by Chauncey Jerome of New Haven, Connecticut. AAA-24
Turner’s Patent 8-day alarm. Sharp Gothic or Steeple Clock made by Chauncey Jerome of New Haven, Connecticut. AAA-24.
At first glance, this rare example looks like most any other time, strike and alarm steeple clock. But looks can be deceiving. This clock is constructed with “J. S. Turner’s Patent Eight Day Alarm. “When one opens the door, it becomes evident that… read more
Chauncey Jerome of New Haven, Connecticut. A figured walnut case mantel clock. 220083.
Chauncey Jerome of New Haven, Connecticut. A figured walnut case mantel clock. 220083.
This is a very unusual mantel clock that is thought to have been made by Chauncey Jerome. The dometop-shaped case is veneered in wonderfully figured selections of wood. The grain pattern is vibrant. The base section is three-dimensionally formed.… read more