Venerable 156-year-old clock, The 30-hour Ogee from Chauncey Jerome, is an homage crafted in honor of its namesake, the man himself.
A Rare Piece of American Horology: The 1855 Chauncey Jerome Ogee Clock
In the heart of Waterbury, Connecticut, a pioneering American clockmaker named Chauncey Jerome (1793–1868) began his career, crafting dials for long-case clocks. One of his most significant creations, the 1855 Ogee clock, holds historical value as one of the last clocks produced by the Chauncey Jerome Company before it faced bankruptcy.
Jerome was a trailblazer in the clockmaking industry, credited with affordable mass production techniques for wooden-cased clocks in the early 19th century. His innovations helped democratize clock ownership in America, significantly lowering prices and making timekeeping accessible to many. By the 1840s, his company had become one of the largest clock manufacturers in the U.S.
However, increasing competition, market changes, and business challenges weakened the company’s position by the mid-1850s. The Ogee clock style, named for its characteristic S-shaped (ogee) molding on the wooden case, was popular from the 1830s through the 1860s. Jerome’s company produced many ogee clocks with rectangular wooden cases, glass panels often painted with stenciled or reverse-painted scenes, and an eight-day movement mechanism. The 1855 model is notable as one of the final production lines before the company’s financial troubles culminated.
These clocks typically featured brass movements stamped with “Chauncey Jerome” or “C. Jerome & Co.” Surviving examples often have documented chain-of-ownership records or provenance tied to original owners or local families, reflecting their use as reliable household timekeepers during the mid-19th century.
The 1855 ogee clock represents the end of an era for Jerome’s business. By this time, competition from other clockmakers and changing industrial conditions had eroded profitability. The company entered bankruptcy proceedings shortly after 1855, effectively ending Jerome’s direct involvement in clock manufacturing.
Clocks from this year are valued by collectors for their craftsmanship and as physical artifacts marking the transitional period in American horology. Authenticity is verified by examining the movement serial numbers and case construction details consistent with Jerome’s mid-1850s production. The original glass tablets, signed labels inside the case, and provenance documentation greatly enhance the collectible value.
Historical records show that after the 1855 bankruptcy, Jerome’s designs and techniques were adopted or modified by successor companies, influencing American clockmaking for decades. For those who have a specific 1855 Chauncey Jerome Ogee clock with documented provenance or need help dating or authenticating a particular piece, a professional appraisal or consultation with a horological museum specializing in American clocks would provide the most precise information.
In conclusion, the 1855 Chauncey Jerome Ogee clock is an exceptional piece of American history and craftsmanship. Its story serves as a testament to the ingenuity and impact of Chauncey Jerome on the clock industry and the enduring appeal of these remarkable timepieces among collectors today.
In the realm of historical artifacts, the 1855 Chauncey Jerome Ogee clock stands out as a precious piece of American Horology. This piece marks the end of an era in the life of Chauncey Jerome, the trailblazing clockmaker who revolutionized the industry. As collectibles, these clocks hold significant value, not only for their craftsmanship but also as witnesses to a transitional period in American horology.
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