Elias Ingraham of Bristol, Connecticut.

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.

Clocks From This Maker

E. Ingraham & Co., Bristol, Conn. The Venetian No. 3 with Mosaic front. 223322.

This domed top mantel clock was known as the Venetian No. 3 by the Ingraham Clock Company. It was one of their more popular models. To such an extent that they offered it in five case sizes, ranging from 9 inches to 20 inches tall. The No. 3 is the… read more

E. Ingraham & CO. Bristol Connecticut. The “WESTERN UNION” calendar clock, a unique piece featuring “LA REFORMA / HAVANA / CIGARS / 5cents” advertising. 223242A.

E. Ingraham & CO. Bristol Connecticut. The “WESTERN UNION” calendar clock, a unique piece featuring “LA REFORMA / HAVANA / CIGARS / 5cents” advertising, a testament to the rich history of cigar production. 223242A.

This “Box Regulator” was made by E. Ingraham & CO. Bristol, Connecticut. This model is listed in their 1907 catalog as one of the “WESTERN UNION .” The case is constructed in solid oak and retains an older finish. The decorative designs are… read more

Ingraham & Company of Bristol, Connecticut. “Grecian Mosaic.” Eight days, time, strike, and alarm. 223166.

The Ingrahams, a prominent clockmaking family, and their many firms were in business from 1828 to 1978, a span of 150 years. This model, known as the ‘Grecian Mosaic,’ has become increasingly collectible due to its compact size, attractive form,… read more

E. Ingraham & CO. Bristol, Connecticut. An Ionic wall clock in walnut. 223315A.

This “Ionic” model wall clock is a very attractive form. Elias Ingraham started in the clock business as a case designer and Maker. This is one of his patented case designs for which he received a patent in 1861. The patent refers to the case’s… read more

E. Ingraham Bristol, Connecticut. "Corrugated-12" Gallery Clock. 222023.

This very unusual-shaped cased gallery clock was made by the E. Ingraham Clock Company of Bristol, Connecticut. This form or model is called the corrugated gallery. The Ingraham catalogs suggest that this form was in production for approximately 12… read more