Posted 9 years ago
Rhythm
(1 item)
I'm trying to identify this Ingraham clock's name or model number and vintage. Appears to be cast metal - possibly bronze or brass. The size is 7" high by 5.5" wide. Bottom of the dial face reads "E. Ingraham Co. Bristol, Conn. U.S.A." Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks kindly!
Hello Rhythm, welcome to Collectors Weekly. Could you tell us a little more about this clock? Is it a family heirloom? Are you a collector?
Hello Bruce99 and thank you for the welcome!
While looking to find an old school clock for
daily use this Ingraham caught my eye with
its cool design. It's not mine and I'm not a
collector, so unfortunately have no other
details.
Unfortunately I'm not finding it in any of my references Rhythm. Looks like it might be some type of promotional Bank issue? Does that read "Bankers Development Corp. N.Y.C. on the back? Is that a coin slot above it? Is there some way to open the "bank" on the bottom of the clock's base? Seems I have more questions than answers...
It might help if we could see the movement but my *guess* would be sometime in the 1930s.
If you're looking for an old mechanical clock daily use be prepared to overhaul it with periodic oiling and inspections for wear and tear.
We have quite a few accomplished Alarm Clock Collectors around. Perhaps one or more of them will be able to help you with more information.
Good luck and thanks for sharing. It's a nice looking clock. I can see how it caught your eye.
Here's one that sold at auction about 3 years ago:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/17267784_ingraham-art-deco-novelty-clock
Bruce99 – Thank you so much for your kind help
and finding those auction photos! They show very
nice detail of the 3-D swirling patterns in the metal.
That does look like a coin slot on the back.
"Bankers Development Corp. N.Y.C." is
engraved on the back and was a company
founded in 1920 and dissolved in 1953.
I assumed like you that the clock was
customized with the company name
possibly as a gift to clients.
My thought is to find one and have a clocksmith
carefully remove the wind-up mechanism and
replace it with a modern quartz battery unit.
The original part could then be safely stored
so the clock could always be returned to its
original unaltered condition.
Thanks again for your time and insight!
Hey Rhythm, from what I can see, the movement looks like one illustrated in Ly's reference. The Model "O" from circa 1934. That and the Art Deco theme leads me to guess that the model was on the market in the mid to late 30's.
There should be room and access in the bottom of the case for a AA Battery, no? The only problem with separating case from movement is that sometimes they get lost and permanently separated from one another. You do have a nice example in the case so I hope your modifications turn out well. They built them sturdy back then didn't they? :)
Hey Bruce99 – Thanks very much for the time frame info. There is room at the bottom of the case to hold "bank" coins, but it's missing a bottom plate. Definitely a sturdy, well built clock with some weight to it presumably. Hopefully this model was produced in ample numbers which would help my finding one to purchase. Your observations are greatly appreciated!