How to Care for and Restore an Ingraham Mantel Clock

Ingraham mantel clocks represent more than just timekeeping. Produced by the E. Ingraham Company, these clocks showcase craftsmanship and history dating back to the 1800’s. If you own one, you hold a piece of American horological heritage in your home. Like all mechanical clocks, however, Ingraham mantel clocks need proper care and occasional restoration to keep running smoothly.

This guide will show you how to identify, maintain, and restore your Ingraham mantel clock so it continues to function beautifully for years to come.

1. Identify Your Ingraham Mantel Clock

The first step in caring for your clock is correctly identifying it. Look for markings on the dial, movement, or case. The Ingraham Company often stamped its name and sometimes a date on the movement plates. Mantel clocks from this manufacturer may feature ornate wooden cases, porcelain dials, or brass pendulums.

By knowing your clock’s model and approximate production year, you’ll have a better idea of which parts may need attention and how best to restore it.

2. Inspect the Case and Dial

Mantel clocks are not only mechanical devices but also decorative objects. Start your restoration by examining the case:

• Wooden cases: Look for scratches, chips, or dryness in the finish. A light polish or careful refinishing may be necessary.
• Metal components: Check for tarnish or rust, particularly on bezels and pendulums.
• Dial: Examine for cracks or discoloration. Porcelain dials often show fine lines called “crazing.”

Cleaning the exterior with a soft cloth can improve the clock’s appearance right away, but take care not to damage original finishes.

3. Examine the Movement

The movement is the heart of your Ingraham mantel clock. Remove the back panel and carefully inspect the gears, springs, and levers. Look for:

• Dust and dirt clogging the gears.
• Worn pivots or bent levers.
• Weak or broken mainsprings.

Do not force the movement if it feels stuck. Forcing it may cause damage that requires more extensive repair.

4. Check the Pendulum and Hands

The pendulum regulates the clock’s timekeeping, while the hands display the hour and minutes. Make sure the pendulum is attached properly and swings freely. Bent or loose clock hands can cause the clock to stop or keep inaccurate time. Gently straighten them so they move without touching each other or the dial.

5. Clean and Service the Mechanism

At this stage, many owners wonder whether to attempt cleaning the movement themselves or send it for professional service. The truth is, proper clock cleaning involves complete disassembly, ultrasonic cleaning, and precise re-oiling of every pivot. Without training, this can be difficult to perform correctly.

That’s why Clockworks, Inc. offers professional cleaning, oiling, and repair services designed specifically for antique and vintage clocks like Ingraham mantel models. If you prefer to do smaller tasks yourself, we also provide clock tools, cleaning solution, and replacement parts to help you maintain your clock safely at home.

6. Regulate the Timekeeping

Once the movement is clean and functional, adjust the pendulum to regulate time:

• To make the clock run faster, raise the pendulum bob.
• To make it run slower, lower the bob.

Make small adjustments, then allow the clock to run for 24 hours before making further changes. Patience ensures accuracy without overcorrecting.

7. Replace Worn Parts if Necessary

Some Ingraham mantel clocks may have broken or worn components after decades of use. Common replacements include:

• Hands and dials.
• Suspension springs.
• Entire movements if heavily worn.

At Clockworks, Inc., we carry nearly every clock movement, part, and tool imaginable. Whether you need an exact replacement or a compatible modern movement, we can supply what’s needed to keep your Ingraham clock alive.

8. Test for Consistency

After cleaning, adjusting, and replacing parts as needed, let your clock run for at least a week. Monitor:

• The accuracy of its timekeeping.
• The consistency of the tick-tock beat.
• Any striking or chiming functions, if your model includes them.

A week of consistent performance indicates that your Ingraham mantel clock is fully restored.

9. Maintain Your Ingraham Mantel Clock

To keep your clock in top condition, follow these maintenance tips:

• Dust the exterior weekly with a soft cloth.
• Keep the clock level for proper pendulum swing.
• Avoid extreme heat or humidity.
• Have the movement professionally cleaned every 5–7 years.

By making maintenance a routine, you’ll prevent issues from developing and extend the life of your clock.

Conclusion

Ingraham mantel clocks deserve proper care to preserve both their function and their history. By identifying your clock, inspecting its case, maintaining its movement, and regulating its timekeeping, you can keep it running smoothly for generations. And when your clock requires more than a simple adjustment, Clockworks, Inc. provides the tools, parts, and expert repair services you need.

Honor the craftsmanship of your Ingraham mantel clock and enjoy its beauty every day.

For assistance, visit Clockworks.com or email us at clockworks@clockworks.com.

Updated on: 29/09/2025