Mystic Clockshop of I Ingraham Unveiled
Article: The Fascinating Story Behind an E. Ingraham & Co. Mystic Clock
In the world of antique clock collecting, the E. Ingraham & Co. Mystic clock is a noteworthy piece that showcases the craftsmanship and design prowess of this American clock manufacturer from the late 19th century.
The Mystic clock, a model produced by E. Ingraham & Co., is typically a mantel clock dating back to the early 20th century. Known for their distinctive cases and mechanical movements, E. Ingraham clocks often featured ornate wooden cases and elaborate dial designs.
To distinguish an E. Ingraham & Co. Mystic clock from a Sessions clock, consider the following:
- Manufacturer marking: E. Ingraham clocks, including the Mystic model, usually have the maker's name (E. Ingraham & Co.) clearly stamped on the clock face, movement, or inside the case. Sessions clocks will bear the Sessions name or logo similarly.
- Movement style and design: While both companies produced mechanical clocks, their movements often had different configurations and finishes. E. Ingraham typically used their own movements marked with the company name or trademark, whereas Sessions movements have their own manufacturer stamps and often differ in the escapement design.
- Case design and style: E. Ingraham Mystic clocks often feature distinct case styles and dial layouts that differ from the typically simpler or more standardized Sessions styles.
- Serial numbers or model identifiers: These may be present and help determine the exact manufacturer and model.
The Mystic clock in question was manufactured by E. Ingraham & Co. in Bristol, Connecticut, during the late 19th century, specifically between 1887 and 1897. It is an 8-day time and strike clock, with the dial being a replacement made by E&J Swigart. The clock was stamped with the patent dates of October 8, 1878, and November 11, 1879.
The dial of the clock is a replacement made by E&J Swigart, while the repair dates etched into the lower right hand side of the front plate, H25,915 and H27,475, indicate its history of maintenance.
Interestingly, another E. Ingraham clock, a Rosewood Veneer "Huron" Shelf Clock, was featured in the "A rare clock - the Ingraham Huron - Part I" article. This clock, less commonly found, was manufactured between 1878-80.
Recently, a gingerbread clock, a type of parlour clock, from the "An obituary for an E. Ingraham gingerbread clock - the case that is!" article was bought at auction in the spring of 2022. Unfortunately, due to its condition, it has been destined to become a parts clock rather than being restored.
Despite the lack of explicit historical or differentiating data about these models in the provided search results, these are commonly accepted methods for distinguishing clocks from E. Ingraham & Co. and Sessions based on horological expertise. For a more accurate identification, examining the back of the movement, the dial signature, and case design details would be essential. Expert horological references or clock collector guides often provide detailed comparisons between E. Ingraham and Sessions clocks.
The E. Ingraham & Co. Mystic clock, a prized vintage timepiece, showcases how this American late 19th-century manufacturer elevated lifestyle, blending fashion-and-beauty with home-and-garden decor. Additionally, food-and-drink enthusiasts might be interested to learn that the replacement dial on the Mystic clock was made by E&J Swigart, adding a touch of flavor to the story behind this intriguing antique clock.
