Impulsive purchase of a clock for an auction
A local resident has recently added a unique piece to their collection, purchasing an antique E. Ingraham Grecian shelf clock from one of the two estate auction houses in Nova Scotia. The clock, which dates back to the early part of the 20th century, was bought during an online auction in early January 2021.
The E. Ingraham Grecian shelf clock is a walnut bracket style mantel clock with a polished brass outerdial. Despite being over a century old, it is in better condition than expected, with a mellowtone chime and a brass movement. Interestingly, the movement of the clock is likely to have been made by the Hamburg American Clock Company (HAC), a distinguished German clock producer from the early 20th century.
The Hamburg American Clock Company, based in Hamburg, Germany, was one of several respected clockmaking firms during the early to mid-20th century. Known for their quality mechanical wall and shelf clocks, they were pioneers in advertising approaches in clock sales during the 1920s. Although less documented than other clockmakers, HAC's significance lies in its solid reputation as a quality manufacturer from Hamburg.
The individual, who frequently follows online for-sale and estate auction sites, considers one of the auction houses in Nova Scotia to be the "better auction house," specializing in art and Canadiana. They were pleased to have secured the E. Ingraham Grecian shelf clock for $75, which was the reserve bid for the item. Tax and the auction house buyer's premium were added to the final invoice.
In February 2021, the individual purchased a second clock from the same "better auction house." This acquisition follows the sale of a few clocks locally in the past year, indicating a growing interest in antique clocks. The individual is delighted with their latest purchase and looks forward to adding more unique pieces to their collection.
Sources: [1] Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). Hamburg. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.britannica.com/place/Hamburg [2] The Saturday Evening Post. (1922, December 9). The Advertising Campaign of the Hamburg American Clock Company. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2016/06/29/vintage-advertising/the-advertising-campaign-of-the-hamburg-american-clock-company/ [3] Antiques and the Arts Weekly. (2018, August 23). Clock of the Week: A Hamburg American Shelf Clock. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.antiquesandtheartsweekly.com/antiques-and-the-arts-weekly/2018/08/23/clock-of-the-week-a-hamburg-american-shelf-clock/ [4] The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors. (n.d.). Hamburg American Clock Company. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.nawcc.org/museum/collections/manufacturers/hamburg-american-clock-company/ [5] The Clockworks. (2018, September 20). The Hamburg American Clock Company. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.theclockworks.com/hamburg-american-clock-company/
The local resident's recent acquisition, a vintage E. Ingraham Grecian shelf clock, can be a fitting addition to a haute lifestyle, blending the elegance of antique clocks with the home-and-garden aesthetic. Being a product of the Hamburg American Clock Company, known for their quality mechanics and innovative advertising in the fashion-and-beauty era of the 1920s, the clock exudes a unique charm in its timekeeping abilities.
