Pictures

E. Ingraham Treasure Banjo Clock, 1927

This fine example of the very collectable E. Ingraham Treasure banjo clock was acquired from a local estate auction in April 2014. At 39 inches tall it is a large clock with an 8-day spring powered time and strike brass movement. It has the silvered face and two-rod duplex or "Bim-Bam" strike. Often referred to as the "Treasure Island" banjo, "Island" is not part of the name. The name shown on the label of clocks with two-rod striking is Treasure Duplex. It was offered in both a single rod strike and a duplex (two-rod) strike as a "New Member" in the 1929-30 E. Ingraham catalog. Later catalogs only mention the duplex strike so perhaps the single rod version was discontinued at some point. While the single rod model appears to be from the earliest production years, duplex models were made during the same period so some may be just as old or older than some single rod clocks depending on the actual date of manufacture. It would be an incorrect assumption that single rod clocks are all older than duplex clocks. The Treasure Duplex was still being offered in the 1939-40 E. Ingraham catalog.

One frequently sees listings for Treasure Banjos citing a 1934 date coinciding with the release of one of the more popular versions of the movie "Treasure Island" leading the reader to incorrectly assume that the clock's release was somehow connected with the movie when the clock was actually introduced at least five years earlier. It is true that the Treasure Banjos were in production at the time of the movie release so there are likely examples that do have a 1934 manufacture date but many more were made before, and after, the movie release. It is unknown to the writer whether Ingraham took advantage of the movie release to to simultaneously "reintroduce" or otherwise promote the sale of Treasure banjos at that time. The example shown here has a manufacture date stamped on the movement of November 11, 1927 which would have been too late to be included in the printing of the 1927-28 E. Ingraham catalog (assuming the catalog was printed in 1927). That would seem to make this example one of the very early production.

Treasure banjos are often seen with at least two different style pendulums - fancy like this one, and plain. The writer believes the style shown here is the correct style, at least for the early production models. If anyone has additional creditable information regarding the styles of pendulums used and when I love to hear from you. This style pendulum is also seen on other E. Ingraham banjo clocks.

Inspection revealed that the movement is in very good condition with a few properly installed bushing. No additional work was required. The pictures show the fine condition of the case and dial with just a few normal signs of age. The mounting holes for the movement had been previously and properly doweled and re-drilled. The duplex tone rods have a brilliant sound.

$1,350.00
SOLD

The information on this page is believed to the writer to be correct at the date of posting but is presented with no guarantee expressed or implied. Pictures were a true representation of this clock at the time of posting but may not be current. Please contact me if you believe that any of the above information is incorrect, or if you wish to share additional information, or discuss this clock.

Unless otherwise credited, the pictures and information on this page are the property of Robert H Croswell & Greenfield Clock shop, 4180 Main Street, Trappe, MD 21673 and may not be sold or used for commercial purposes without permission. © 2016
email:  bobby@greenfieldclockshop.com