Clockmaker Jerome and company finally achieve their long-standing success with their mantel clocks
In the summer of 2019, a vintage Jerome & Co. time and strike mantel clock found its new home, purchased at the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors convention. Known as the "Rose Cottage", this antique mechanical timepiece, originally manufactured by Jerome & Co., a marketing arm of the New Haven Clock Co., in the mid-1850s, presented a series of challenges that required meticulous repair work.
Upon initial inspection, it was evident that the clock had experienced common issues such as dirty, oily movements and worn pivot holes. The complexity of the time and strike movement, with its numerous pivot points, caused these wear and tear issues over time.
The strike mechanism, which controls chiming and hammer actions, added more pivot points than a simple time-only clock. As these pivots wore or the pivot holes enlarged, more bushings were necessary to restore smooth and accurate movement. In this case, 12 bushings were installed to return the movement to proper tolerances during servicing.
The clock's journey to reliability was not without its hurdles. During servicing, the movement had several problems including a bent second wheel, a newer time-side mainspring, and a worn stop pin on the warning wheel. The strike side mainspring of the clock also refused to hook correctly onto its arbour, adding to the list of challenges.
However, after several adjustments and repairs, the movement now runs (and strikes) as it should. The clock has completed three eight-day cycles without missing a beat, a testament to the successful repairs carried out.
Three suspect pivot holes (T2R, T3R, T4R) were discovered during the repair process, requiring additional bushings. The clock has undergone 12 bushings installations due to pivot wear, a common occurrence in clocks with complex mechanical movements like the Jerome & Co. time and strike mantel clock.
The clock, despite encouragement, did not run reliably at first. But with patience and precision, the clockmaker was able to restore this beautiful antique to its former glory, ensuring it will continue to keep time and chime for many more years to come.
With the completion of its servicing, the vintage Jerome & Co. time and strike mantel clock, now boasting 12 new bushings due to pivot wear, is poised to continue its chiming rhythm. During a sports-like competition against time, it has successfully completed three eight-day cycles, mirroring the perseverance of a seasoned athlete.
