This is the website for the "Clambox" .
http://www.ipswichma.com/clambox/
They don't claim to be the inventor of the fried clam on the website. But they have been voted "best" by alot of ratings. I have been to this place once. It's a regular spot for my mother in law.
It is, IMHO, the real "Gold Standard" for fried clams.
Others feel the same:
http://www.capeannweb.com/restaurant...own/000489.php
The portions are very, very, big. I'd advise that you order a single... even for two people. We learned that they change the oil every day at 2 PM so service can be a little slow just around 2 PM.
Tiny little place with limited seating, but the clams were the best I've ever had. By Far!