E. Ingraham Antique Clocks from Merritt's

After a suggestion from one of our loyal Facebook fans, it seemed like a good idea to put together a post of some of our favorite E. Ingraham clocks currently in our collection. So, here are our top ten favorites that we currently have lying around the clock shop. Enjoy!

1. E. Ingraham Grecian Mosiac Antique Clock

• Price - $465.00
• Description
• 8 Day Time and Strike
• Original Dial
• Good Original Label
• Slight Veneer Missing on Bottom Edge
• Walnut Case
• 14 1/2" Tall

2. Ingraham Doric Antique Clock

• Price - $150.00
• Description
• 8 Day Time, Strike, and Alarm
• Repainted Tablet Held by Fresh Putty
• Replacement Paper Dial
• 16" Tall

3. E. Ingraham Wizard Antique Mantel Clock

• Price - $100.00
• Description
• Enameled Wood Case
• 10 1/4" Tall
• 8-Day Time and Strike Movement
• Nice Label on Back
• Replaced Paper Dial

4. Antique Ingraham Era Mantel Clock

• Price - $140.00
• Description
• 8 Day Time and Strike on Bell movement
• Circa 1880
• Paper on Inside of Case Marked Ingraham
• Original Paper Dial
• Rosewood Case with Smoke Grain Painted Door
• 15 1/4" Tall

5. Antique Ingraham Victorian Shelf Clock

• Price - $160.00
• Description
• 8 Day Time, Strike, and Alarm
• Original Paper Dial - Dark with Faded Numerals
• Level in Base
• Walnut Case
• 25" Tall

6. Antique Ingraham Enameled Mantel Clock

• Price - $125.00
• Description
• 8 Day Time and Strike Movement
• Original Celluloid Dial
• Wood Enameled Case
• 12 1/4" Tall x 17" Wide

7. Antique Ingraham Howard Shelf Clock

• Price - $115.00
• Description
• 8 Day Time and Strike movement
• Original Paper Dial Discolored Over Time
• Circa 1915
• Softwood Case with Mahogany Finish
• 9 3/4" Tall x 16" Wide

8. Ingraham Defender "Onyx" Antique Kitchen Clock

• Price - $175.00
• Description
• 8 Day Time, Strike, and Alarm
• Some Crazing of Varnish on Case (Alligatoring)
• Original Dial
• 22" Tall

9. Antique Ingraham Embossed Long Drop School Clock

• Price - $225.00
• Description
• 8 Day Time Only
• Embossed Case
• Dirty Paper Dial
• Read "Regulator" on Bottom Glass
• Very Nice Looking Pendulum
• 32" Long

10. Ingraham Tambour Mantel Clock

• Price - $85.00
• Description
• 8 Day Time and Strike movement
• Dark Mahogany Case
• 10 1/4" Tall x 20 3/4" Wide

Rember all E. Ingraham clocks from Merritt's are sold in "as found" condition, and they are guaranteed complete. The prices seen here do not include shipping charges. Visit our website to see our full listing of E. Ingraham clocks.

Early American Clock Companies: Sessions Clock Company

Sessions Black Mantel Shelf Clock

In 1902, William E. Sessions and other family members took control of what was previously the E.N. Welch Company in Forestville, Connecticut. After the business had been failing financially after the death of its founder in the later 19th century, members of the Sessions family began buying stock from previous shareholders until they were the controlling members. In 1903, the company was renamed the Sessions Clock Company. 

Previously, Sessions's father, who owned a foundry, had produced cases for the E.N. Welch Company. The company continued to manufacture Welch clocks, but began introducing their own line of clocks producing all components including movements, cases, dials, artwork, and castings. Between 1903 and 1933, the Sessions family produced 52 models of mechanical clocks. These included regulators, wall clocks, mantle clocks, and shelf clocks. By 1920 they had started phasing out the older Welch styles of pressed-oak kitchen clocks and black mantel clocks. 

By 1930, the company had spread out to manufacturing electric clocks as wells as traditional brass movements. The electric Sessions W model was used widely by casting companies by the end of World War I. In 1936, Sessions completely discontinued manufacturing spring-driven clocks as electric clocks were more popular and the depression had caused them to be stuck with a large inventory of the spring-driven clocks.

Between 1943 and 1945 all clock production was halted as a result of World War II. During this time Sessions manufactured war materials. 

Sessions Superior Wall Clock

In the 1950s, the company would further spread its wings to producing television timers cheaper electric clocks, plastic alarm clocks, and kitchen wall clocks. The one real innovation the company had during the 50s was "The Lady," which was the first (and last) family planning clock that could keep up with a woman's menstrual cycle. Surprisingly, this never caught on with the public, but they are a collector's item in today's market.

In 1956, the company name was changed to The Sessions Company and sales were increasingly declining. In 1958, the company was sold to Consolidated Electronics Industries Corporation of New York, who was interested in their timing devices. In 1959 William K. Sessions (grandson to William E. Sessions) left the clock company and formed the New England Clock Company. 

Sessions would continue to go through ownership changes over the next decade and a half. After a nine week strike in 1968, the company was once again sold to United Metal Goods Company in Brooklyn, and they would shut the business down. 

In 1969, The North American Phillips Cooperation merged with what was left of the Sessions company with plans to manufacture electric control devices. They also once again changed the name to The Session Company, but the company never got off the ground. After the business was liquidated, the remaining buildings were sold in 1970 to Dabko Industries, a machine parts manufacturer.

Resources:  Alexander H. Phillips - Clockmaker, National Clock Repair

Early American Clock Companies: E.N. Welch Company

Welch, Spring, & Co. Mantel Clock

In 1856 Elisha N. Welch took over J.C. Brown's Forestville Hardware and Clock Company after it went bankrupt due to a fire as well as Elisha Manross's failing clock parts business and started a new company named E.N. Welch. This would go on to be one of the largest clock companies in Bristol.

The E.N. Welch Company was later formed in 1864 as a joint stock corporation that would succeed the private company. From 1868 to 1884 Welch formed a subsidiary company with Solomon Crosby Spring and Benjamin Bennet Lewis called Welch, Spring, & Company to specialize in producing more expensive clocks including regulators and calendars. These were well known for their rosewood cases.

The “Patti” movement was produced from 1879 until 1884. This movement was thought to be the highest quality movement created by Welch. He named it after a Spanish diva named Adelina Patti, whom he was enamored. Today it is one of the most sought after movements by collectors.

E.N. Welch Rosewood Mantel Clock

Although the Patti movement was highly regarded, the first Patti clock did not live up to sales expectations. Welch would die in 1887 only a few years after they stopped producing the movement, and his son would take over the company. However, in 1899 two fires would destroy the movement company.

After the fire, the company was plagued with financial burdens (mortagages and bank loans that were past due) that had started directly after Welch's death. Around 1893 the company had even started selling off stock as well as trying to produce a cheaper clock. Even when a new brick factory was built in April 1900, they were unable to meet all financial liabilities.

Throughout this time of burden for the company, members of the Sessions family were buying out stockholders. By 1902 they took control of the company, and by 1903 it was now known as the Sessions Clock Company.

Resources: Antique Wall Clock, Antiques Clock Guy, Clock Information

Early American Clock Companies: Ansonia Clock Company

The clock business in America did not become a prominent part of American culture until around the early 19th century. After Eli Terry made it affordable to manufacture clocks in America, other clock designers decided to become part of the industrialized clock age. Thus, Mass produced clocks in the United States took off and areas like Connecticut became home to the American clock.

This is the first part in a series devoted to the early American clock companies that helped to put American clocks on the same level as the European clocks that existed at and before this time.

The Ansonia Company

Ansonia Triumph Mirror Side

Anson Greene Phelps did not start off in the clock business but rather in the brass business. In 1844, Phelps formed the Ansonia Brass Company in an attempt to supply the nine clock companies in Connecticut who were manufacturing clocks. 

In 1850 The Ansonia Clock Company, also known as Ansonia Brass & Clock Co., was created as a subsidiary of Ansonia Brass Company. Phelps purchased fifty percent of the largest clock manufacturers business in Bristol, Connecticut - Theodore Terry and Franklin C. Andrews.

In 1877, clock maker Henry J. Davies joined the company as a founder when it moved to

Brooklyn, New York. He is thought to be largely responsible for the company's figurine clocks, swing clocks, and other unusual designs, which Ansonia became known for creating and producing. The unique novelty clocks with cupids, angels, babies, and other ornamental designs usually are what come to mind when people think of Ansonia clocks. 

Ansonia Teardrop

In 1880, the Brooklyn factory burned down, and it was rebuilt and expanded on the same spot. By 1881, this factory exceeded the Connecticut's capacity and by 1883 the Bristol factory was closed. Success would only grow until huge debts were accumulated in the 1920s eventually resulting in the sell of company parts to the Soviet Union.

Today, antique Ansonia clocks live on and can be found in antique shops worldwide. They are a unique piece not only of American history but also of the way clocks have evolved in the last two to three centuries.

A Brief History of the Pocket Watch

Towson Watch Company "Classic"

Even though we may only think of them as heirlooms or antiques now. Before the invention of the wristwatch, pocket watches were the portable clock of choice. The reign of pocket watches lasted several centuries. From the 16^th century until World War I, if a person carried a clock with them it was a variation of a pocket watch.

First Mention

The earliest mention of pocket watches dates back to 1462 in a letter from Italian clockmaker Bartholomew Manfredi to the Marchese di Mantova Federico Gonzaga. However, it was master locksmith of Nuremberg Peter Henlein that is noted as inventing the actual pocket watch design, and by 1524 he was manufacturing pocket watches regularly.

Design

Until Henlein created the mainspring that made it possible for small and portable clocks to exist, clocks were powered by falling weights. Then in 1650 English physicist Robert Hooke designed a watch with a balance spring. This controlled the oscillations of the wheel that more efficiently controlled the watch's operation.

By the 18^th century, jewels were used as bearings – some pocket watches even used diamonds. This was to smoothen and lubricate the movement of the watch's hands.

Only one hand was used until the 16^th century when the second hand was introduced, and this was a vast improvement in the accuracy of the time. In the second half of the 18^th century a third hand was added.

Evolution

Clocks that were worn date back to the 16^th century when individuals would pin a smaller clock pendant to their clothes or wear on a chain around their neck. By the 17^th century men began to wear watches in their pockets instead of as pendants. Charles II of England was said to have started this trend when he introduced waistcoats. This style caused the pocket watch to evolve into what they are known as today.

By the end of the 18^th century watches were becoming more common, and special cheap pocket watches with maritime paintings on the dials were sold to sailors. This had a lot to do with Aaron Lufkin Dennison inspiration from mass-production techniques he learned while working for a firearms company. His partner, Edward Howard, and he figured out how to create machines that would mass produce parts small enough to make clocks.

Pocket watches helped to bring forward some very famous names in clock design. They also helped to push forward the quality of clock design. Until the 20^th century with the arrival of WWI, pocket watches were insanely popular. After the increase in wristwatch popularity, pocket watches started to become an image of an older time.

Source: ehow, Old and Sold, Wikipedia

History of the Grandfather Clock

If asked if they knew what a grandfather clock is, most people would respond with a definite yes. Grandfather clocks are widely known throughout the world, and at one point in time owning one helped to define a person's upper class status.

The history of the grandfather clock starts believe it or not with Galileo. In 1582, he discovered that it was possible to tell time by swinging a pendulum. Fast forward a century to 1656 and Dutch scientist Christian Huygens became the first person to actually use a pendulum as the driving device inside a clock. However, it was a Dutch clock maker by the name of William Clement who realized that by making the pendulum longer time would become more accurate.

The only problem to this newest development was that a clock did not exist that was long enough to fit the pendulum. So in 1670, Clement built the first “long-case” clock then also known as a floor clock and a coffin clock. The usage of “grandfather clock” would not begin until 1876.

Supposedly, two brothers known only as Jenkins, who owned and operated the George Hotel in rural North Yorkshire, England, had a long-cased clock in the lobby of the hotel. The clock was said to keep perfect time until one of the brothers died. Then, no matter what, the clock would never keep the correct time again – always running behind. It did not matter how many clock smiths were brought in to fix it. It would only go slower.

When the surviving brother reached the age of ninety, he too passed away. On that very day the clock in the lobby stopped right along with the remaining brothers heart. The clock was said to have shown the exact minute the brother died.

Years later American songwriter Henry Clay Work visited the hotel. He learned the story of the two brothers and the clock that sat in the lobby. He was so touched that he wrote a song called “My Grandfather's Clock.” It became a popular song and long-cased clocks have been referred to this name ever since.

Merritt's Antique Clock Shop has a wide selection of fine American and European novelty and antique clocks at great prices. They are also a leading clock part supplier providing a way for hobbyist and repairmen to find all needed tools, books, and supplies.

What Makes a Clock an Antique?

With shows like Antiques Road Show, American Pickers, Storage Wars, and even Pawn Stars, more and more people have started to gain an interest in finding antiques and collectibles  However, just because something appears old does not make it an antique. So how do you tell if that old mantel clock sitting in your home is actually an antique? It may actually be a little harder than you previously thought.

The general consensus is that if it is older than 100 years old then it is an antique. However, as with all rules there are some exceptions. For instance, shelf and mantle clocks from the 1920s are considered antiques. Art Deco clocks, normally from France or Switzerland made in the 1930s are another exception to the rule.

If you know what type of clock you have, the next step is to determine how old it actually is. The first step is to see if the clock has a name, trademark, or signature on it. This will start to help narrowing down the age. This could, however, still be a roadblock as many clocks have the name of the retailer on them and not the actual maker.

After making sure that the actual movement is in the correct case, you can move on to the make of the clock to determine its age. Most models have specific times when they added different parts or features. This will help you have an idea of how far back the clock could date, but it still will not give you a specific age.

The style of the clock will actually be able to tell you more about the age than any other detail as styles continue to change over time. By combining this with the featured parts, any expert will be able to tell you around the precise date of the clock.

Other parts of the clock to keep in mind are patent numbers, serial numbers, trademarks, and labels. Any of these can help to determine the age of the clock, but keep in mind they can all be misleading, too. Some clocks have serial numbers, but they are definitely in the minority. Trademarks and labels can always be faked that is why it is important to not determine the legitimacy of the clock by these alone. Patent numbers can normally be found on the parts used in making the clock, but if replacement parts were added, this can be misleading unless you determine what is original and what is not.

When determining if your clock can actually be an antique, it is important to not base the age on only one of these factors. By gaining an overall idea of each category, you will have a more approximate idea of how old your clock is and if it really is an antique.

Merritt's Antique Clock Shop is a leading distributor of fine American and European clocks. They offer a wide array of mantel, wall, and grandfather clocks in both novelty and antique pieces. Also as one of the top clock parts suppliers, hobbyists and repairmen will have no problem finding books, parts, or tools.