Restoration of E. Ingraham Grecian watch case and dial
Restoring an E. Ingraham Grecian 8-Day Shelf Clock: A Step-by-Step Guide
In early January 2021, a prized find from an online auction arrived at its new home—an E. Ingraham Grecian 8-day shelf clock. This neoclassical beauty, crafted by the renowned E. Ingraham Clock Company, needed a bit of TLC to shine once more.
The clock, over a century old and adorned with a rosewood veneer, had seen its fair share of history. The home environment a century ago was vastly different, with smoking, wood and coal fires, and poor insulation, leaving the clock case very dirty.
The dial was off-centre and had two broken tabs securing the dial face on the rear of the brass bezel. After a journey of three hours to pick it up, the restoration process began.
Cleaning and Restoration of the Case
The first step was to gently dust the wooden case with a soft brush or microfiber cloth. A mild wood cleaner or a solution of diluted mineral spirits was used sparingly on a cloth to remove accumulated grime without damaging the original finish. Harsh chemicals and abrasive materials were avoided to preserve the patina and finish.
For scratches or areas of finish loss, appropriate wood polish or restoration wax designed for antique furniture was applied. If structural repairs were needed, it was crucial to consult a professional restorer to maintain the historical integrity of the clock.
Cleaning and Restoration of the Dial
Carefully dusting the dial surface with a soft, dry brush removed loose dirt. For painted or printed dials, liquids that could damage inks or paint were avoided. If the dial was enamel, mild cleaning with distilled water and a soft cloth may be possible, but testing small inconspicuous areas first was essential.
For metal dials with patina, many conservators recommend leaving the natural patina intact to preserve value. If restoration was needed (e.g., repainting numerals), it was best to work with a specialist in clock dial restoration.
General Guidance
Given the clock’s age and potential value as an antique, DIY restoration that could reduce its value was best avoided. Seeking advice or services from specialist horological conservators or local horological societies such as the Horological Society of New York, which offers expertise and lectures on clock conservation, was highly recommended.
Documenting all cleaning/restoration steps carefully was also important. Because E. Ingraham clocks like the Grecian 8-day have brass trims and wood cases, gentle, conservation-grade products and techniques were essential to avoid damage.
Final Touches
After cleaning, the case was allowed to dry before applying the first coat of shellac. Two coats of shellac were applied, with 4X0 steel wool used between coats to smooth out imperfections. The brass bezel, inner brass ring, and strike side grommet were polished with Brasso as the last step.
Two new tabs were added to secure the dial in place, and the numerals were in-painted. With these final touches, the E. Ingraham Grecian clock was restored to its former glory, ready to keep time once more as part of a small staycation.
The servicing of the movement for the E. Ingraham Grecian clock will be addressed in a future post.
Vintage clocks, like the restored E. Ingraham Grecian 8-day, contribute elegantly to a lifestyle that appreciates home-and-garden antiques, serving as charming statements of history in a contemporary setting. This restoration process, which included conserving the wood case, dial, and brass accents, demonstrates the care and attention required to preserve such valuable pieces.
