Mantel clock from Jerome & Co.: persistent malfunctions, continually starting but refusing to operate
Restoring a Jerome & Co. Antique Mantel Clock: A Step-by-Step Guide
A recently acquired Jerome & Co. antique mantel clock, purchased in June 2019, has been in need of repair and restoration. The clock, a round top model from the mid to late 1870s, is known for its gingerbread and cottage styles, but its movement is in poor shape, suffering from dirt, oil build-up, and pivot wear. Here's how to repair and restore this unique timepiece.
1. Disassemble the Clock Movement Carefully
The first step is to disassemble the clock movement carefully to avoid damaging delicate components. Document the process or take photos to assist reassembly. The bushings were installed on the S2 & S3 front plate, minute wheel front plate, T2, T3 and T4 front plate, T4 and escape wheel, front and back plate.
2. Clean the Movement
Clean the movement thoroughly to remove accumulated dirt, old oil, and corrosion. Use proper clock-cleaning fluids designed for brass and steel parts, and clean pivot holes and gears gently. Ultrasonic cleaning can be effective for intricate parts if available.
3. Inspect for Wear and Damage
Inspect the movement for wear and damage, especially on pivots, bushings, gear teeth, and the mainspring. Replace or repair worn bushings and damaged parts as needed. Jerome & Co. movements often lack maker’s stamps, so use compatible parts from similar period clocks if exact replacements are unavailable.
4. Lubricate the Movement
Lubricate the movement sparingly with high-quality clock oil once cleaned and reassembled. Avoid over-oiling as this leads to grime build-up.
5. Check and Adjust the Escapement and Pendulum
Check and adjust the escapement and pendulum for proper operation and accurate timekeeping.
6. Restore the Case and Dial (if needed)
Restore the case and dial if needed, repairing wood trim, polishing or cleaning the case, and carefully cleaning or touching up the dial.
Because Jerome & Co. movements may be missing maker’s marks and original labels sometimes are damaged or lost, restoration parts and techniques are often based on knowledge of similar antique American clocks from the same era. If you lack experience, consulting horological forums or professional clock repairers can provide additional guidance and parts sources.
This process balances careful mechanical servicing with preservation of historical aesthetic value to bring your Jerome & Co. mantel clock back to working, attractive condition. The clock's case is in exceptional condition, but the movement is in poor shape. The dial is a replacement, and the inner paper label behind the mirrored tablet reads "J.J.", "Clockmaker", "86 Court St", and "formerly Haymarket Sq".
The clock's movement is very dirty, over-oiled, and has bad pivot wear in several locations. The second wheel is bent, which accounts for the newer time-side mainspring. The strike side mainspring refuses to hook correctly on its arbour. The clock's movement was reassembled and is now ready for testing. More adjustments and experiments are required to resolve the issues with the clock's movement, as it is currently experiencing an erratic beat, drifting in and out of beat and stopping after about 5 minutes.
[1] Antique Clock Parts and Restoration [2] Horology Made Simple: Restoring Antique Clocks [3] National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors
1. Replace Damaged Mechanical Clocks Parts with Vintage Options In the process of repairing and restoring the Jerome & Co. mantel clock, if some parts are beyond repair, consider replacing them with vintage alternatives to maintain the antique aesthetic.
2. Learn About the History and Repair Techniques of Mantel Clocks Understanding the history and repair techniques of antique mantel clocks, such as the Jerome & Co., can be beneficial for those interested in lifestyle, technology, education-and-self-development, and sports.
3. Enhance Your Collection with Mantel Clocks and Join a Clock Community Collecting and restoring mantel clocks like the Jerome & Co. can provide a unique hobby, encouraging social interaction and networking with fellow enthusiasts through organizations such as the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors.
