Discovered at Auction: Grecian Shelf Clock by E. Ingraham & Co.
A Fresh Look at an E. Ingraham & Co. Grecian Shelf Clock
In early January 2021, a lucky bidder acquired an E. Ingraham & Co. Grecian time and strike shelf clock at an online auction. This exquisite piece, a testament to 19th-century American clockmaking, was picked up after a 3-hour drive from one part of Nova Scotia to another.
The clock, known as the "Grecian," showcases the Neoclassical movement's influence, particularly Greek furniture design. Its molded Rosewood bezel, adorned with carved volutes below the dial frame, is a nod to this classical inspiration.
Upon closer inspection, the clock reveals a green triangular-shaped paper label inside the back panel of the case with three patent dates: September 30, 1862, March 31, 1868, and June 6th, 1871. This indicates that the clock was made after 1871 and before 1878.
The clock's paint-on-zinc dial, featuring moon-shaped hands and Roman chapters, adds to its antique charm. The dial frame and bezel form a hinged front access door, providing easy access for servicing the movement, which, surprisingly, is in good condition for its age.
The movement of the Ingraham Grecian clock was serviced after work on the case and dial pan. The clock is categorised under "American clock" and "antique clock," and the article provides a first look at this historically significant piece.
E. Ingraham & Co., founded by Elias Ingraham, was a prominent 19th-century American clockmaker known for combining innovative clock movements with stylish case designs. The company produced many popular shelf and mantel clocks in the Victorian era and into the early 20th century, blending art and function.
The Grecian style, often inspired by classical Greek architecture and art, was popular in the 19th century. In clockmaking, Grecian shelf clocks would include classical elements such as pilasters resembling Greek columns and decorative motifs evoking antiquity, which symbolized taste, education, and refinement.
E. Ingraham & Co.'s Grecian models were not just timekeeping devices but also decorative objects that represented cultural values and contemporary aesthetic preferences. These clocks were typically made for middle-class American homes, providing an accessible means to showcase classical sophistication. They fitted well with Victorian and early 20th-century interior design trends, which often embraced historic revival styles.
While catalogs from the era were often simple and utilitarian, later 19th-century catalogs began to emphasize stylistic appeal. Ingraham's Grecian shelf clocks would have featured in such catalogs as attractive yet affordable decorative clocks. These clocks are now collectible, appreciated for their craftsmanship and historical connection to American industrial clockmaking.
In summary, the E. Ingraham & Co. Grecian shelf clock exemplifies 19th-century American craftsmanship combining classical stylistic influences with functional design, reflecting cultural tastes of the era and the democratization of decorative arts in clockmaking.
This vintage E. Ingraham & Co. Grecian shelf clock, with its home-and-garden-worthy Neoclassical design, is a valuable addition to any collector's lifestyle, showcasing the fusion of art and function characteristic of American clockmaking in the 19th century. Given its educational and refined context, it would have been a prized decorative piece for middle-class American homes, fitting well with Victorian and early 20th-century interior design trends.
