Impulse purchase of an auction timer
In early January 2021, a Nova Scotia-based collector successfully bid for an E. Ingraham & Co. Grecian shelf clock in an online auction. The purchase price was $75, which matched the reserve bid, and no additional amount was paid beyond that. As of the time of writing, the clock remains at the auction house awaiting shipment.
The clock, an American piece from the E. Ingraham Clock Company, is said to have a German movement, likely made by the Hamburg American Clock Company (HAC). Known for their finely engineered, factory-serviceable clock movements featuring delicate, complex mechanisms, HAC clocks are a prized find among collectors.
HAC was part of the German tradition of clock manufacturing, distinguished from American clockmakers by different approaches in movements and construction. Operating especially during the early to mid-1900s, HAC produced clocks that were both functional and decorative.
Clocks from HAC often reflected the design trends of the early 20th century, including Art Nouveau and later Art Deco influences. HAC clocks are appreciated today among collectors for their historical value, mechanical sophistication, and as examples of early 20th-century German timekeeping technology.
The individual who acquired the E. Ingraham Grecian shelf clock has sold a few clocks locally in the past year. They consider this specific auction house as the "better auction house" due to their specialization in art and Canadiana. One estate auction house in Nova Scotia offers premium items, making it a popular destination for collectors.
The collector describes the clock as being in better condition than expected based on auction photos. They had to travel 3 hours to pick up the clock, as it was located in a different part of Nova Scotia. The description provided by the auction house for the clock includes details such as its size, condition, and materials.
The dial of the clock might be one piece with a silvered chapter ring or spandrels added over the brass. The E. Ingraham Clock Company operated under various name variations over the years. Despite not having any other HAC clocks in their collection, the individual is pleased with the purchase of the E. Ingraham Grecian shelf clock.
In February 2021, the individual purchased a second clock from the same auction house. This is one of the individual's latest online auction finds, adding to their growing collection of timepieces. The Hamburg American Clock Company, while less documented in terms of company history compared to some American firms, remains a significant player in the broader landscape of German clockmaking that flourished during this period.
This collector, buoyed by their recent acquisition of a vintage E. Ingraham Grecian shelf clock, has expressed a preference for the auction house they purchased from, stating its specialization in art and Canadiana makes it the "better auction house." As they look to expand their collection, they've found another prized piece from the same auction house in February 2021, a clock with roots in the Hamburg American Clock Company (HAC), adding to their growing assortment of timepieces, encompassing an eclectic mix of lifestyles— from fashion and beauty to home and garden.
