Tag: new haven clock co

A gifted clock is always appreciated

During my visit to a fellow enthusiast of antique and vintage clocks, I was graciously presented with a complimentary schoolhouse clock.

New Haven time-only schoolhouse clock

Although I wasn’t anticipating it to be in pristine condition, I gladly accepted the schoolhouse clock as a project, knowing that it would require some restoration work.

I own multiple wall clocks, among them are several schoolhouse clocks, and am amazed that they run so well after many decades. These clocks, known for their durability, continue to function reliably even in well-worn condition.

The clock’s manufacturer is New Haven, and it is a time-only clock featuring a twelve-inch Roman Numeral dial and a short drop design. What makes it particularly interesting is the reverse painted glass that allows the moving pendulum bob to be visible.

As for the construction, the clock’s case is crafted from softwood, elegantly adorned with Rosewood veneer on all the visible sections.

A robust time-only movement

During my holiday, I had limited time to work on the clock, but I did take the opportunity to inspect its movement and clean the case. I found the movement to be in very good condition with minimal wear. However, I did notice that there was an absence of lubricating oil. To ensure the clock’s optimal performance and to minimize further wear, I took the necessary step of re-oiling it before placing it back into its case.

The clock does have some veneer issues, especially noticeable in the bottom section of the short drop. I plan to address and repair these veneer problems when I have both the time and the necessary resources to do so properly.

Additionally, there are minor losses on the dial face, but I’ve decided to leave them as they are for now. While they may be imperfections, they also add character and a sense of history to the clock, so I believe preserving them in their current state will maintain the clock’s unique charm.

As my holiday schedule didn’t allow for a comprehensive repair, I made a mental note of wear issues that require attention. Upon my return when I have more time available, I intend to address these wear issues, particularly focusing on one or two bushings that need immediate attention. This approach will help maintain the clock’s accuracy and prevent any further damage.

Once I have the opportunity and means to address these repairs and restorations, I will ensure the clock regains its original beauty and functionality while retaining the traces of its past that make it special.

Jerome & Co Rose cottage clock – the case is a mess but the movement is interesting

I have a number of cottage clocks and they all seem to have one thing in common, they have lived hard lives and this one is no exception. They had the cheapest of movements, the cheapest of cases, and could be purchased for almost nothing but many have not survived and that’s too bad.

This is a one-day or 30-hour time-only cottage clock made by Jerome & Co. Most cottage clocks come with a time and strike movement, some had alarms but this has just the movement.

Jerome & Co. cottage clock

Chauncey Jerome was a prolific clockmaker and a true pioneer of the early American clock. Despite his success in clock manufacturing from the late 1830s to the early 1850s a number of poor business decisions led to bankruptcy in 1856, and the assets of the bankrupt Jerome Manufacturing Co. were purchased by the New Haven Clock Co.

Time only movement

While Jerome was involved in numerous clock-making activities after his bankruptcy and marketed clocks under his name and label, Jerome & Co. is not one of those. “Jerome & Co.” was a tradename used by the New Haven clock company.

Label

The Jerome name obviously had some cache and it was a good marketing strategy on the part of New Haven.

The plan

The movement is very simple in design. However, it has had an odd repair. On the left side of the movement is a copper wire soldered to the brass plate. The copper wire wraps around the 3rd wheel pivot and acts as a bushing. There is a similar repair on the backplate. This will be removed and replaced by a brass bushing. There are one or two other bushings required as well.

As for the rosewood veneer case, I am not sure what I will do. There are veneer losses on the right side of the case, the bottom corners, and the top left. Most of the gilt around the front access door has worn off, there are significant losses on the dial, there is a large age split on the top-right and the reverse painted lower tablet has signifciant losses. I don’t want to go too far and ruin the clock but as it is, it looks quite bad.

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