Determining if the object in question is a Jerome & Co. clock or a different piece altogether.
Discovered: A Jerome-Branded Clock from the Early 1870s
In the world of antiques, a recent discovery has piqued the interest of collectors and historians alike. A beautifully crafted Rosewood veneered round top, mirrored tablet shelf clock, bearing the Jerome name, has been traced back to the early 1870s.
The clock, a classic Ogee design, is not a fake or a marriage, but a product of early to mid-1870s marketing. Its Jerome name suggests a connection to Chauncey Jerome, the American clockmaker who revolutionized the global clock industry with his mass-production of affordable brass clocks starting in 1839. However, it is more likely that the Jerome in this instance is Samuel B. Jerome of New Haven, Connecticut, or the New Haven Clock Company selling clocks under the trade name Jerome & Co.
The clock's hour strike movement, unsigned but with distinct Pomeroy features, is a testament to the craftsmanship of Noah Pomeroy, who built clock movements from 1847 to 1878. The movement, held by mounting blocks, boasts a unique 24-hour count wheel, and the plates are held together with screws - all characteristic of Pomeroy's work.
The clock's label, partially over-pasted, indicates that it was a clock retailer in Boston who purchased completed clocks from various Connecticut makers and put his own label on them. The label dates the clock somewhere after the move from Haymarket Street, around 1870, a time when J.J. & Beals & Co. was no longer in business at that address.
It is worth noting that the clock's manufacture was dated to within a year or so, making it a valuable addition to any antique collection. The existence of four similar clocks, including this one, further adds to its allure.
The clock was purchased at an estate auction, and its provenance remains a mystery. The clock world, as we know, is not always as it seems. While the clock is original in every way, its history and journey to its current owner are shrouded in intrigue.
The wish to uncover the clock's provenance adds an air of excitement to this fascinating find. As we continue to research and delve deeper into the history of this Jerome-branded clock, we are reminded that the world of antiques is a treasure trove of stories waiting to be uncovered.
