Elias Ingraham of Bristol, Connecticut.

Elias Ingraham was born in Marlborough, Connecticut, on October 1, 1805. He worked as a cabinetmaking apprentice for five years in Glastonbury. In 1825, he purchased his freedom and began working as a journeyman for Daniel Dewy of Hartford. In 1828, Solomon Hinman convinced him to move to Bristol and to make clock cases for George Mitchell. It is here that Ingraham designed and constructed the “Transitional” shelf clock form. Ingraham soon moves on and works for several other clock and furniture ventures. After numerous ventures, he formed the Elias Ingraham & Company in 1857 and was granted the first two patents in case design. The first was for the “Arch Column case, and the second was for the door design found in this example, having two circular doors separated by decorative rosettes. This design became extremely popular, and its influence finds its why in some of Ingraham’s competitor’s models. In 1860, the firm’s name changed to E. Ingraham & Company, reflecting a partnership with his son Edward. Elias died at his summer home on Martha’s Vineyard in August 1885. The business continued in various forms.

Clocks From This Maker

E. Ingraham & Co. Arch Top No. 1 Mantel clock. TT-159

E. Ingraham & Co., Bristol, Conn. Arch Top No. 1 Mantel clock. TT-159.

Elias Ingraham was born in Marlborough, Connecticut, on October 1, 1805. He died in 1885, Elias died, and his brother Edward carries on as the President of E. Ingraham & Co. The Ingrahams, as a family, made and sold clocks for over 150 years… read more

E. Ingraham & CO. Bristol, Connecticut, U.S.A. The "12 Inch Ingot." School clock. 215023.

This is a nice clean example of an oak case school clock made by the E. Ingraham & CO. of Bristol, Conn, U.S.A. The case wood is oak and retains a clean, clear finish. The decorative linear design exhibited in the wooden moldings is attractive.… read more

E. Ingraham & CO. Bristol, Connecticut. An Ionic wall clock. 218004.

This "Ionic" model wall clock is attractive. It was made by E. Ingraham & CO. in Bristol, Connecticut, circa 1880. The case is veneered in rosewood, and the bezels are walnut. The dial is painted on a tin pan and is original to the clock.… read more

Ingraham & CO. Bristol Connecticut. The "Hartford." A long drop school clock. 212104.

Today, this wall model is commonly called a long drop school clock. This is a nice, clean example of a form. These clocks were made in significant numbers by all of the seven major manufacturers of clocks based in Connecticut during the 1900s.… read more

E. Ingraham & CO. Bristol, Connecticut. The Ionic wall clock. 217101.

This "Ionic" model wall clock is an attractive form. It was made by the E. Ingraham & CO. in Bristol, Connecticut circa 1880. Elias Ingraham started in the clock business as a case designer and Maker. This is thought to be one of his designs.… read more