Pages

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Guide To Quality Grandfather Clock Restoration To Make Your Timepiece Outstanding

By Jayne Rutledge


A grandfather clock has a special nostalgic charm about it and it can make a lovely accent piece for any traditionally furnished room. Also referred to as long case and tall case clocks, these beautiful timepieces, may eventually need to be taken to a skilled horologist, which is a professional who specializes in caring for them and in providing grandfather clock restoration services to keep them functioning and looking attractive, without compromising their authenticity.

Sometimes a clock may have had changes made to its movements or unsuitable repair jobs. Horologists often come across such findings when they are in the process of restoring old clocks. People may have attempted to fix a broken part using glue, solder, or an unsuitable type of metal. The expert will remove these materials, and replace them with ones fitting of the particular model.

Replacing and fixing any of the movements can be a delicate procedure, but it is needed in some instances where the timepiece has stopped working altogether or is not keeping accurate time. Parts which are damaged may need to be made over or mended. If the case is showing signs of deterioration, it may need to have new mouldings added on, or be re-veneered, or if its original length has been altered, this may need to be rectified as well.

The Dutch marquetry is a beautiful, detailed form of embellishment some models have which is prone to damage from aging, woodworm, or a botched repair job with the wrong patching compounds. Horologists can use an appropriate type of wood and replace both this design and the structures underneath it in a manner that is suited to the particular clock's fashion and era.

Clocks which are pre-twentieth century should not have concentric, circular graining on the chapter ring. Not only is this an uncharacteristic feature, but it can also obscure any lovely engravings on the surface. The point of restorative measures should be to return the piece to its original look as much as possible, not changing it. The fewer changes needed to be made the better it is if one wishes to keep the unique beauty of the timepiece intact.

There are some respected authorities on the handling of antiques which recommend only repairs to the clock's inner workings, and any cleaning or polishing should be avoided as these can hide the true historical character. An effective restoration should do just that, restore, not completely change it, whenever possible it's best to only fix those parts needed for the function.

Before turning one's treasured timepiece over to a horologist, it's necessary to ensure this professional's take on just how much change a restoration should involve. Ideally, it will consist of minimal elimination of original materials and will only use those replacement materials which closely match the authentic ones used in the manufacturing process. If any form of deterioration such as corrosion has started, this should be prevented from getting worse.

The horologist one hires for grandfather clock restoration needs to not only have the right view when it comes to non-invasive conservation, but this person also needs to be in possession of the necessary credentials, which is a diploma in antique clock restoration.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment