Ingraham & CO. Bristol Connecticut. The "Hartford." A long drop school clock. 212104.
Today, this wall model is commonly called a long drop school clock. This is a nice, clean example of a form. These clocks were made in significant numbers by all of the seven major manufacturers of clocks based in Connecticut during the 1900s. Ingraham & CO., of Bristol, Connecticut, made this fine example.
This fine example is constructed in a solid oak case, and features pressed decorative designs. An older surface or finish remains intact and is in good original condition. The brass bezel is fitted with glass and opens to wind the 8-day brass movement. The paper dial measures twelve inches across and is applied to a pan. The hours are indicated in an Arabic format. The Maker’s name is also printed across the face. The decorative pendulum bob and its motion can be viewed through the glass door in the lower section of this case. This door is decorated in gilt paint from the back. “REGULATOR” is painted across the middle. The Maker’s label is still present and is pasted on the back of the case. It is printed on red paper and lists the model name as the “HARTFORD.” It also lists the setup and operating instructions.
The case measures approximately 32 inches long and was made circa 1910.
Inventory number 212104.
Elias Ingraham was born in Marlborough, Connecticut, on October 1, 1805. He worked as a cabinetmaking apprentice for five years in Glastonbury. In 1825, he purchased his freedom and began working as a journeyman for Daniel Dewy of Hartford. In 1828, Solomon Hinman convinced him to move to Bristol and to make clock cases for George Mitchell. It is here that Ingraham designed and constructed the “Transitional” shelf clock form. Ingraham soon moves on and works for several other clock and furniture ventures. After numerous ventures, he formed the Elias Ingraham & Company in 1857 and was granted the first two patents in case design. The first was for the “Arch Column case, and the second was for the door design found in this example, having two circular doors separated by decorative rosettes. This design became extremely popular, and its influence finds its why in some of Ingraham’s competitor’s models. In 1860, the firm’s name changed to E. Ingraham & Company, reflecting a partnership with his son Edward. Elias died at his summer home on Martha’s Vineyard in August 1885. The business continued in various forms.
