Up for Bids: Grecian Shelf Clock from E. Ingraham & Co.
In early January 2021, the author successfully bid for an E. Ingraham Grecian time and strike shelf clock in an online auction. This latest find, known as the Grecian, is now the focus of the author's work.
The E. Ingraham Grecian shelf clock, with its classical influence inspired by the Neoclassical movement in the United States, is in better condition than expected. Upon closer inspection under auction studio light, it was found to be in a satisfactory state.
The clock boasts a paint-on-zinc dial, moon-shaped hands, and Roman chapters. A green triangular-shaped paper label inside the back panel of the case bears three patent dates: September 30, 1862, March 31, 1868, and June 6th, 1871.
The Grecian clock is an 8-day time and hour-strike alarm version, made between the years 1868 and 1883. It has a molded Rosewood bezel with carved volutes below the dial frame, which is a testament to E. Ingraham & Co.'s craftsmanship.
The Ingraham Clock Company, established in the 19th century, is known for producing a variety of clock styles, including mantel, wall, and shelf clocks. The Grecian style clocks, primarily produced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflect neoclassical design influences.
The author has already completed work on the case and dial pan of the Ingraham Grecian time and strike shelf clock. The movement, surprisingly, is in good condition for its age. The author plans to post their first impressions and the work required to restore the clock after a more careful examination.
This article serves as the first look at the author's latest antique clock find and the servicing of the movement of the Ingraham Grecian time and strike shelf clock. For more detailed historical and production timeline information on E. Ingraham & Co.'s Grecian clocks, consulting specialized horology references, antique clock catalogs, or museum archives focused on American clockmakers would be recommended.
The clock was picked up after a 3-hour drive from one part of Nova Scotia to another, marking the beginning of the restoration process. Stay tuned for updates on the progress of this fascinating project.
The E. Ingraham Grecian shelf clock, with its classical design, is not only a focus of the author's work but also a reflection of the fashion-and-beauty in home-and-garden during the Neoclassical movement. As the author embarks on the restoration process, travel will be a necessity for research, possibly visiting museum archives or consulting horology references for more detailed historical and production timeline information.
Apart from the Grecian clock, the Ingraham Clock Company is known for producing various clock styles, such as those fitting into the lifestyle categories of fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, and travel, where unique and vintage clocks can add a touch of nostalgia and elegance.
With the author's restoration process underway, future updates will showcase the transformation of the clock, indicating that food-and-drink parties or travel arrangements could be inspired by the success of the project, creating interesting opportunities to share the experience with others who appreciate the vintage charm of antique timepieces.
