E. Ingraham & CO. Bristol, Connecticut. An Ionic wall clock with gilt frames. 8-day time and strike movement. 221043.
This "Ionic" model wall clock is a very attractive form. It was made by the E. Ingraham & CO., in Bristol, Connecticut, circa 1880. Elias Ingraham started in the clock business as a case designer and Maker. This is one of his patented case designs. The case is constructed in mahogany. The frames have been finished in gilding which has mellowed nicely over the clock's history. The paper dial is applied to a tin pan. This is a reproduction, but it is very well done and shows signs of having some age. It features the company's name, an inner brass ring, Roman-style hour numerals, and a closed minute ring. The eight-day time and strike movement is brass construction and is powered by coil springs. It is die-stamped by the Maker on the front plate. This clock strikes the hour on a coiled wire gong mounted inside the case. The pendulum is quite fancy. This is positioned in the center of the lower door and is visible through the lower glass. This glass is decorated with painted circles around its perimeter.
This clock is approximately 21.75 inches long, 13.5 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. It was made circa 1880.
Inventory number 221043.
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.
