Ingraham Clocks

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The E. Ingraham Company: A Detailed History

The E. Ingraham Company was one of the major American clock manufacturers, with a fascinating history spanning over a century.

Founding and Early Years (1828-1860s)

Elias Ingraham (1805-1885) began his clockmaking career in the late 1820s, initially working with other manufacturers. He was particularly talented as a case designer and is credited with creating some of the most iconic American clock case styles.

In the 1830s-1840s, Ingraham worked with various partners and companies, including:

• Brewster & Ingraham (1844-1852) in Bristol, Connecticut
• E. & A. Ingraham (with his brother Andrew) starting in 1852

The E. Ingraham & Company was formally established in 1856 in Bristol, Connecticut, where it would remain throughout its existence.

Growth Period (1860s-1900)

During this era, the company expanded significantly:

• Specialized in affordable, mass-produced clocks for the average American household
• Became known for innovative case designs, particularly Elias's creative work
• Produced primarily wooden-cased mantel clocks and kitchen clocks
• The "Ionic" and "Doric" models became particularly popular designs
• After Elias's death in 1885, his sons continued the business

Peak Production Era (1900-1950s)

The early 20th century marked Ingraham's most productive period:

Product Lines:

• Extensive variety of kitchen clocks (often called "gingerbread" clocks due to ornate pressed designs)
• Alarm clocks became a major product line
• Mantel clocks in various styles
• Wall clocks including schoolhouse and regulator styles
• Novelty clocks, including animated clocks

Innovation:

• Introduced electric clocks in the 1920s-1930s
• Created the "Sentinel" line of electric alarm clocks
• Developed character clocks and novelty designs
• The company's catalogs from this period show hundreds of different models

Notable Characteristics:

• Generally affordable, working-class timepieces
• Reliable movements, though simpler than premium makers
• Creative case designs, often following Victorian and Art Deco trends
• Paper dials were common, especially on kitchen clocks

Mid-20th Century Challenges (1950s-1960s)

Like many American clock manufacturers, Ingraham faced increasing competition:

• Cheap imported clocks from Germany and Japan
• Changing consumer tastes
• Rise of battery-operated and quartz movements
• The company struggled to modernize and compete

Decline and End (1960s-1980s)

1967 - The E. Ingraham Company was sold and became part of McGraw-Edison Company

1970s - Production continued but with reduced output and fewer original designs

1980s - Clock production under the Ingraham name essentially ceased, though the brand name was used on some imported clocks for a period

Legacy and Collectibility

Today, Ingraham clocks are:

Highly Collectible:

• Victorian-era kitchen clocks with ornate pressed oak cases
• Early mantel clocks with Elias Ingraham's original designs
• Character and novelty clocks (particularly animated ones)
• Rare or unusual models

Generally Affordable:

• Most common Ingraham clocks are reasonably priced for collectors
• More accessible than Seth Thomas, Ansonia, or Waterbury clocks of similar vintage
• Good "entry point" for new clock collectors

Identification Features:

• Paper labels inside the case (often deteriorated)
• "The E. Ingraham Co., Bristol, Conn. U.S.A." on dial or label
• Patent dates on labels and movements
• Model names often appear on labels

Notable Designs

Some of Ingraham's most recognized clock styles include:

• Ionic/Doric - Classic column designs from Elias's era
• Gingerbread/Kitchen clocks - Ornate pressed oak designs
• Admiral/Nyanza - Popular mantel clock models
• Sentinel - Electric alarm clock line
• Animated clocks - Including various character and novelty designs

The E. Ingraham Company represents an important chapter in American clockmaking history, producing millions of affordable, reliable timepieces that brought clockwork into ordinary American homes. While not as prestigious as some contemporaries, Ingraham clocks remain beloved by collectors for their variety, creativity, and accessibility.