Enhanced aesthetics of an ogee clock casing due to the application of traditional shellac.
The recently acquired 156-year-old Chauncey Jerome Ogee clock is a remarkable treasure of American clockmaking history. This antique piece, one out of four Ogee clocks and one parlour clock purchased at an estate auction, is a testament to the ingenuity of Chauncey Jerome and the democratization of timekeeping in America.
The Ogee clock, named for its distinctive S-curved case, was not originally invented by Jerome but was popularized by New England clockmakers in the early 19th century. Jerome, associated with the New Haven Clock Company, is credited with making the Ogee clock widely popular by using brass movements and mass production techniques, making clocks more affordable and accessible.
Produced in the 1830s and 1840s, the 30-hour Ogee clocks, like the one in question, became extremely popular in the 1840s and 1850s. These clocks, featuring a simple mechanism and a wooden case with the iconic Ogee molding, were typically placed on mantels or shelves and required winding every 30 hours.
The Chauncey Jerome clock, dated to within a year of its manufacture, is in good condition. The mahogany veneer, while showing a small dent in the upper left corner that is hardly noticeable, is overall in very good condition. The lower tablet remains as-is, and cleaning the clock case reveals shellac loss. The dial's condition has not been specified.
The clock was serviced, and it is currently running and striking as it should. The three other Ogee clocks purchased at the same auction were serviced in the fall of 2018, but the fourth clock was not part of the servicing. The fourth clock, not shown in the opening photo, is a Waterbury Ogee from about 1870.
Antique Jerome Ogee clocks, especially those from the 1840s and 1850s, are highly collectible today. Their value lies in their historical significance, craftsmanship, and the survival of original examples in good condition. Jerome’s adoption of mass production for Ogee clocks revolutionized the industry, making him a key figure in the democratization of timekeeping in America.
**Summary Table**
| Aspect | Details | |-----------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | Producer | Chauncey Jerome (New Haven Clock Co. later associated) | | Production Period | 1830s–1850s, with 1844–1845 being key years | | Case Style | Ogee (distinctive S-curve) | | Movement | 30-hour brass, hand-wound | | Popularity | Highly popular in mid-19th century America | | Significance | Revolutionized affordable, mass-produced clocks | | Collectibility | Highly valued as Americana and historical artifacts |
The Chauncey Jerome 30-hour Ogee clock remains emblematic of American ingenuity and the transformation of clockmaking into a democratic, mass-produced industry.
The vintage Chauncey Jerome Ogee clock, a symbol of American ingenuity, aligns with a lifestyle centered on home-and-garden aesthetics, excellent for enhancing the ambiance of any room. Its collectible status as an Americana artifact, showcasing craftsmanship and historical significance, makes it a worthwhile addition to any home-and-garden lifestyle enthusiast's collection of unique vintage clocks.
