How to Adjust an Ingraham Mantle Clock
Ingraham mantle clocks were manufactured from 1830 to 1885. These antique clocks are a valuable collector’s item and are much sought after in the 21st century. Antique clocks need adjustments to hold the correct time of day without gaining or losing time on a daily basis. Pendulum adjustments will correct the time in large increments and the winding key adjustments will correct the time in small increments.
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Instructions
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1
Open the clock face cover on the right side of the clock by pressing the clasp inward. Swing the cover to the left to access the clock face and pendulum. Some models of Ingraham clocks do not have glass face covers, though most do.
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2
Insert the small end of the Ingraham clock-winding key into the adjustment hole on the face of the clock. This hole will be smaller than the winding hole on the face of the clock and is near the number eight on the clock.
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3
Turn the winding key counterclockwise a quarter turn to increase the clock speed. This will prevent the clock from losing time after winding so that it will hold the time accurately.
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4
Turn the small end of the winding key clockwise a quarter turn to decrease the clock speed. This action will slow a clock speed if it gains time after winding so that it will display accurate time.
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5
Turn the pendulum-retaining nut to make major adjustments in the time on an Ingraham mantle clock. The pendulum- retaining nut is on the very bottom center of the pendulum.
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6
Grasp the nut between a thumb and forefinger and turn it one quarter turn counterclockwise to slow the clock speed or clockwise to increase the clock speed. This method will adjust Ingraham mantle clocks that vary from the actual time by one half hour or more per day.
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Close the glass face cover on the clock by swinging the door closed until an audible click sounds at the door latch.
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Tips & Warnings
Make small incremental adjustments and then observe the clock movement in a 24-hour period to determine if further adjustments are necessary for proper time keeping.
The clock-winding hole on an Ingraham clock is near the number four on the clock and is a larger hole on the face for the large end of the winding key.
Some models of clocks have an “S” and “F” near the adjustment hole on the clock face. Each will have an arrow near them showing the direction to turn the winding key. The “S” has a clockwise arrow to slow the clock speed and the “F” has a counterclockwise arrow to increase the clock speed.
Both types of adjustments that slow a clocks movement lengthen the pendulum by a small fraction. Lengthening the pendulum creates more friction with the same amount of leverage so that the pendulum moves slower and the clock runs slower. The adjustment on the clock face lengthens a spring to drop the pendulum lower and the retaining nut on the bottom of the pendulum allows the pendulum to drop down lower on its rod.
Do not turn the adjusting nut on the pendulum or the adjustment key in the face until tight. Over tightening either adjustment can result in the clock spring breaking on an antique clock.
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Comments
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I bought a Ingraham mantle clock written time is money on glass and it also has a alarm. I would like to know the approx value if possible. I brought it to a jewelers to get it restored although almost in mint condition. It lost minutes every hour. The restoration is done to the mechanics inside the wheel pegs. They are re-sharpened to keep original parts.
