Impulsively purchased timepiece put up for bid
In the heart of Nova Scotia, a passionate collector of unique clocks has recently expanded their collection. The individual, who frequently scours online for-sale and estate auction sites, travelled three hours to acquire an antique treasure from another part of the province.
The clock in question is the E. Ingraham Grecian shelf clock, a piece that caught the collector's eye in early January 2021. The auction house described the clock as an antique walnut bracket style mantel clock with a polished brass outer dial, in running order but needing a clean, and boasting a mellow tone chime.
Upon closer inspection, the collector suspects the clock to be well-built, with solid plates front and back, a characteristic often associated with quality clocks. However, the origin of the movement remains a bit of a mystery. It's possible that the movement is German, manufactured by the Hamburg American Clock Company (HAC) in the early part of the 20th century.
The Hamburg American Clock Company, while not as widely recognised in historical records related to significant clockmaking companies, might have been confused with other prominent clock manufacturers. The name "Hamburg American Clock Company" does not appear to be documented extensively in the field of antique clock production.
For historical insights into German clockmaking, the A.G.U. Lenzkirch Aktiengesellschaft für Uhrenfabrikation, founded by Eduard Hauser and Ignaz Schopperle in 1849, is a notable example. This company played a significant role in introducing innovations like serial assembly in clock manufacturing.
The collector made the purchase through an online auction, and to their delight, the reserve bid for the Grecian shelf clock was only $75. The individual did not pay more than that, making it a worthwhile addition to their collection.
Interestingly, this is not the first time the collector has made a purchase from a different auction house. In February 2021, another auction house, considered by the collector to be "the better auction house," specialising in art and Canadiana but occasionally offering clocks, was the venue for another acquisition.
The collector has been reducing their collection over the past year, selling a few clocks locally. The acquisition of the Grecian shelf clock marks a significant addition to their now-smaller but carefully curated collection. As the clock continues to tick away, it serves as a reminder of the collector's love for unique, well-crafted timepieces.
In the collector's eclectic vintage clocks collection, the E. Ingraham Grecian shelf clock is a valuable addition, its acquisition providing a hint of the individual's dedication to hunt for antique treasures. Amongst their carefully curated pieces, this acquisition stands out, merging elements of lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and home-and-garden, creating a unique blend in their personal sanctuary.
