Grecian-style shelf clock by E. Ingraham - Initial Inspection and Strategic Strategy Unveiled
Restoring a Rare E. Ingraham & Company Grecian Shelf Clock
A unique piece of American clockmaking history has recently come into the hands of a passionate restorer. The Grecian clock, a find from an online auction held in early January 2021, is a neoclassical design by E. Ingraham & Company, dating back to around 1871.
This particular model is made of Rosewood and boasts intricate Greek Revival-inspired decorative elements, typical of the Grecian Shelf Clocks produced by the E. Ingraham Clock Company during the late 19th century.
The restoration process will involve several steps, starting with cleaning the case with Murphy's Soap and traditional new shellac. The case, while showing some age-related cracks and small chips of veneer missing from the corner edges of the base, is in relatively good condition, with the curved wood bezel in very nice condition.
The dial pan has separated from the bezel, and the dial screws came out too easily, causing the dial to be misaligned due to new screw holes. Both the minute and hour hands will be replaced, and the dial will be repaired to align correctly.
The movement of the Ingraham Grecian clock is in surprisingly good condition for its age. The pinned movement, with the two lower pins looking original but the top pins looking like replacements, shows the resilience of these antique clocks. The alarm mechanism is in excellent condition, with the spring on the alarm being fine. The bell is cast brass and features two strike hammers, one on the inside for the alarm and one on the outside for the hour-strike.
However, more challenging is sourcing a 2 3/4 inch moon minute hand for the Grecian clock. Additionally, a past tinkerer used cellophane tape and attempted to solder two of the tabs on the dial pan to the bezel, which will need to be addressed during the restoration process.
The next step is servicing the movement of the Ingraham Grecian clock. This will involve disassembling and cleaning the movement, installing new bushings if needed, repairing the crutch loop, and tightening up the alarm dial once the movement is reinstalled.
The restoration of the case and dial of the Ingraham Grecian clock has been completed, leaving only the servicing of the movement to finalize the process. This rare piece of American clockmaking history will once again keep accurate time, showcasing the blend of craftsmanship and industrial heritage that defines the E. Ingraham & Company Grecian Shelf Clocks.
[1] For more information on related styles, such as the "Gingerbread Clocks" by E. Ingraham & Company, refer to the general information available online.
- The restoration of the rare E. Ingraham & Company Grecian Shelf Clock, a testament to American clock-making history, will not only enhance the home-and-garden decor but also contribute to the vintage clocks section of antique collections, making it a significant addition to lifestyle and fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts.
- Once the service of the movement for the restored Ingraham Grecian Shelock is complete, this collectible piece would not only reside as an elegant accessory in home-and-garden interiors but also serve as a conversation starter, reflecting the owner's appreciation for vintage clocks and their passion for preserving American heritage, thus highlighting their unique lifestyle and taste in fashion-and-beauty.
