Grecian Shelf Clock from E. Ingraham & Co. successfully auctioned off
In early January 2021, the successful online bidder for an E. Ingraham Grecian time and strike shelf clock was announced. This notable American mantel clock, produced by the E. Ingraham Company during the 19th century, is a testament to the company's influence in shaping the horological landscape of the time.
The Grecian style, characterised by its neoclassical design elements and inspired by ancient Greek motifs, is evident in the clock's geometric shapes and decorative columns. The clock features a chime or strike mechanism, enhancing its functional and decorative appeal.
Upon closer inspection, the clock boasts a green triangular-shaped paper label inside the back panel of the case, bearing three patent dates: September 30, 1862, March 31, 1868, and June 6th, 1871. The clock's condition, despite appearing to require attention in auction photos, was found to be better than expected.
The clock's dial is a paint-on-zinc design, adorned with moon-shaped hands and Roman chapters. The dial frame and bezel are one section that makes up the hinged front access door. The clock's design is further accentuated by a molded Rosewood bezel with carved volutes below the dial frame.
The E. Ingraham & Co.'s interpretation of the Grecian clock is known as the "Grecian". The clock was made between the years 1868 and 1883, during a period when the company operated under various name variations, including E. Ingraham, E & A Ingraham, and the E. Ingraham Company.
This article marks a first look at the E. Ingraham & Company's Grecian shelf clock, one of the writer's latest online auction finds. Post-auction, the clock required restoration of the case and dial. The movement of the Ingraham Grecian clock, surprisingly, was found to be in good condition for its age.
As collectors continue to appreciate the historical connection to American horology and the distinctive aesthetic that sets these clocks apart, the E. Ingraham Grecian time and strike shelf clock remains an intriguing piece of American clock-making craftsmanship. For a deeper understanding of the company and its models, institutions like The American Clock & Watch Museum in Connecticut may provide valuable insights.
[1] Antique Clock Buyer's Guide [2] E. Ingraham & Co. Clocks [4] The American Clock & Watch Museum
This distinct American clock, the E. Ingraham Grecian, not only embodies the horological legacy of the E. Ingraham Company but also complements various lifestyle choices, from fashion-and-beauty to home-and-garden, due to its vintage clocks' appeal. Its unique design, a fusion of neoclassical elements and ancient Greek motifs, makes it a desirable addition to any antique collection, particularly in the context of a vintage clocks category.
