Jerome & Co's Rose Cottage Clock: Its exterior is disheveled, yet its internal mechanics are intriguing
In the heart of a collector's workshop, a unique timepiece has taken centre stage - a Jerome & Co. Rose Cottage clock, a charming relic from the mid-1800s. Known for their compact elegance and decorative appeal, these clocks were a staple in American homes during that era.
This particular piece, crafted by the renowned American clockmaker Jerome & Co., boasts a small to medium-sized wooden case, veneered in rosewood, a prized material for its rich colour and intricate grain pattern. However, the rosewood veneer has suffered some losses on the right side, bottom corners, and top left, giving it a worn yet endearing character.
The clock's dial also shows significant losses, a testament to the passage of time and the clock's long history. The reverse painted lower tablet, too, has suffered similar losses, adding to the restoration challenge.
The mechanical movement of this time-only 1-day or 30-hour clock has been worked on recently, in the spring of 2022. Despite its simple design, it has an unusual repair - a copper wire soldered to the brass plate on the left side, acting as a bushing. This oddity will be rectified with a brass bushing replacement.
The Jerome & Co. Rose Cottage clock, being one of the smallest movements the author has encountered, presents a unique set of challenges. Yet, the author, a passionate collector of cottage clocks, is undeterred.
The history of Jerome & Co. rosewood cottage clocks is deeply rooted in the mid-1800s, a time when such clocks were popular for their affordability and aesthetic appeal. Jerome & Co. clocks were part of the wave of mass-produced clocks using wood veneers, making them accessible to middle-class families.
Typical restoration practices for these clocks include careful cleaning of the wooden case, glass panel restoration or replacement, mechanical movement servicing, and preservation over replacement to maintain the clock's value and historic integrity.
Collectors and restorers value Jerome & Co. rose cottage clocks both for their aesthetic beauty and as representative examples of 19th-century American clockmaking craftsmanship. For those seeking detailed restoration tips or historic background, clock collector guides or specialized horology resources focused on American shelf clocks and Jerome & Co. would be the best references.
However, the restoration of this particular Jerome & Co. Rose Cottage clock may prove to be an extreme case, given the extensive veneer and dial losses. The author is yet undecided about the fate of the clock case, a decision that will shape the future of this intriguing timepiece.
Despite the challenges, the restoration journey of the Jerome & Co. Rose Cottage clock promises to be an exciting exploration into the world of 19th-century American clockmaking. As the restoration unfolds, we will follow the journey, documenting the transformation of this charming timepiece from a worn relic into a shining example of American horological heritage.
Upon further assessment, it's clear that this Jerome & Co. Rose Cottage clock, with its blend of vintage charm and historical significance, represents an interesting intersection of fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden, making it an attractive addition to a collector's lifestyle. As the restoration process commences, the clock transforms from a worn relic into a shining symbol of American horological heritage, reflecting the aesthetic appeal and craftsmanship prevalent in the mid-1800s, a time when vintage clocks like these were popular elements in American households and served as staples in the realms of both fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden.
