E. Ingraham Co. Kitchen Clock:

[wematinka]

I purchased an Ingraham Kitchen clock some years back. It needs a lot of TLC restoration. The movment face plate is marked E, Ingraham Co. Pat. Oct. 8, 78 Nov. 11, 79. Bristol Conn to the left of this is a # 1, and to the right is marked 01. I need to know how long to make the suspension spring. The measuremet from the top of the suspension post to the inside of the hook curve. Also the case has copious amounts of shellac. What would be the best way to bring this old case back to life? Also the dial needs replacment or restoration. Any ideas? Thank you for your time, and consideration.

AL

 

[harold bain]

Re: E. Ingraha Co. Kitchen Clock:

Al, with suspension springs, start long, then trim until it's within range of the regulator. They come in bundles of a dozen, so you can start over if you go too far.

 

[shutterbug]

Re: E. Ingraha Co. Kitchen Clock:

Post a pic or two of the case. More accurate help can be given about how to bring it back to original spec's.

 

[Orbitermonkey]

Re: E. Ingraha Co. Kitchen Clock:

Al, I have one of those so I took the suspension out. See photo. It is about 87mm from top to the inside of the hook. Subtract 1mm if you want to measure form the top of the post. As you can see, I am due for a new one myself.

 

[Willie X]

Re: E. Ingraha Co. Kitchen Clock:

No guarantee that one is like the other.

Best to do what Harold said. Cut it long, easy to shorten bit by bit. Cut it short ...

Willie X

 

[Thyme]

Re: E. Ingraha Co. Kitchen Clock:

No guarantee that one is like the other.

Best to do what Harold said. Cut it long, easy to shorten bit by bit. Cut it short ...

Willie X

Also, from the appearance in the photo, this suspension spring (which is not the OP's) may have been shortened over the years, due to wear or a tear in it. It would still work despite the foreshortening, but a spring can only be shortened so much. This is a one piece type that has the spring and rod combined as an inseparable unit. The ones you buy these days usually are also, but will probably have the spring riveted to the rod. Usually it is best to shorten the rod to the desired length and not cut down the spring.

If the OP posts photos we may be able to help him with the case and dial questions.

 

[Orbitermonkey]

Okay, okay, just giving the guy what he asked for. Anyway, I'm sure you're all correct.

 

[Clockguy]

Re: E. Ingraha Co. Kitchen Clock:

No guarantee that one is like the other.

Best to do what Harold said. Cut it long, easy to shorten bit by bit. Cut it short ...

Willie X

I operated an art gallery and custom frame shop for about 20 years and my byline on many of the framing forums I attended was, "I cut it 3 times now and it's STILL too short!" ............ Kinda applies to chopping the end off of a suspension spring to someone else's specs too.

 

[harold bain]

Not all Ingraham kitchen clocks used either the same size case or the same pendulum, so the correct length on one may not work on another. The old trial and error method will get you where you want to be with it, if you have enough patience.