ogee clock

Q: What are the features of an ogee clock?

Ogee clocks have a wooden case with two glass panels, a white-painted zinc dial, and often reverse-painted images or mirrors on the lower glass pane. They are weight-driven, with cases made of inexpensive wood finished with veneer. Their most distinguishing feature is their case, which has front outer edges curved into an S-shape (ogee curve). Later versions of ogee clocks included features such as simple calendars and alarms and used springs instead of weights to power the movement.

Q: How did the financial crisis of 1837 impact the clock industry?

The financial crisis of 1837 weakened the United States ’ wooden clock industry, prompting the development of cheaper, mass-produced brass clocks by Connecticut manufacturer Chauncey Jerome and his brother Noble Jerome.

Q: Why were brass clocks considered advantageous compared to wooden clocks?

Brass clocks were considered advantageous because they resist humidity, are easier to transport on ships, and could be produced more cheaply and in larger quantities than wooden clocks.

Written by

Jonathan D. Betts

Fact-checked by

Britannica Editors

History

What are the features of an ogee clock?

How did the financial crisis of 1837 impact the clock industry?

Why were brass clocks considered advantageous compared to wooden clocks?

ogee clock, clock design that originated in the United States in the 1830s, distinguished by a wooden case whose front outer edges are curved into an S-shape (ogee curve). This shape is formed by the union of a convex and a concave line. A mass-produced variant of the shelf clock, the ogee clock stands about 30 inches (75 cm) high and is usually weight-driven. The movements were usually made of brass and designed to run for 30 hours or eight days.

History

After the Panic of 1837 weakened the United States’ wooden clock industry, Connecticut clock manufacturer Chauncey Jerome sought to design a clock that could be made at low cost. Based on his idea, Noble Jerome, his brother, developed a clock with movements made of brass housed in a wooden case. These clocks, patented in 1839, could be produced in large quantities at lower costs than standard clocks made entirely of wood. The Jerome brothers, along with their competitors and imitators, produced thousands more brass clocks than wooden clocks each year. Because brass resists humidity and is easier to transport on ships than wooden works, the overseas trade in these clocks expanded, and the clocks flooded the English market. By the end of the 19th century, these clocks—called ogee clocks because of their casings’ waved edges—were being manufactured in several countries outside the United States. They quickly became popular because of their affordability, ease of maintenance, and visual appeal.

Features and modifications

The wooden case of an ogee clock has two glass panels on the front. The upper panel covers the dial and hands, whereas the lower panel covers the pendulum. The dial is usually a white-painted zinc sheet with printed numerals. The lower glass pane often displays reverse-painted images, though mirrors served as a less expensive alternative. The original models are weight-driven; later models use springs to power the movement. The cases are commonly made of inexpensive wood such as pine and basswood, often finished with a mahogany veneer or faux wood grain. Later versions include features such as simple calendars and alarms.