Posted 12 years ago
Charx3Anime
(1 item)
Found this clock in the basement of my Great-Grandmother's house. It was apparently my Great-Great-Great Aunt Lucy's mothers. (Lots of greats there!)
It doesn't really work, but I am not good at winding stuff, but are going to take it to a clock shop soon.
There is a sticker on the back that says:
March.
Manufactured by The E. Ingrahm Co
Bristol Co. USA
Then instruction on how to wind the clock
Carved in the back (not sure if it was by the maker or not)
x675
Also there is BKK written under that, kind of faded (again not sure if it was done by a child or not) and what looks like 225, not sure on that it is so faded.
I Just want to know what this clock is or how old it is.
Its a gingerbread Clock made by the Ingraham clock co. They have been making clocks since 1860. The model type I'm not sure but I'm guessing early 20th century.
Hi Whitman75,
Ingraham made a LOT of these "Kitchen" or "Gingerbread" clocks. Usually, the intricate patterns are pressed, not carved into the wood. Your Great-Great-Great Aunt Lucy's mother's clock is from Ingraham's Spring line of wood case mantel clocks. It is named "March" and is from circa 1907.
Thank you both! You have really given me great information! :] Hopefully it will get fixed soon and will be working wonderfully on my mantel!
You're very welcome. It looks like your clock has been well cared for through all those years. The stenciled glass pattern usually has significant loss in a lot of these clocks. Yours looks great. Enjoy!
The door hinges have rusted and one is broken, i think that is about all the damage to it. It was stored in a chest after it was passed down. Still has the key! I had thought since the stencil was still there that is was young but the wood looked old.
I understand that it was common practice back then to put a rag dampened with kerosene in the clock case to try and keep the movement lubricated. It was a bad practice (kind of like using WD-40) and it caused damage to reverse paintings and stencils. Then there is just aging, fading and rough handling/accidents. If your stenciling is original, it is in great shape. It looks good in any case. If you can't find a replacement hinge locally, try http://www.rockler.com/ http://www.timesavers.com or http://www.merritts.com. Of course, if you're going to take it to a clock shop, they will get it fixed up for you. Best wishes