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vendredi 7 février 2014

Useful Tips Regarding Grandfather Clock Restoration

By Jayne Rutledge


There is a certain nostalgic charm about grandfather clocks and they are often valued family heirlooms. Also called long case or tall case clocks, these grand timepieces will usually require the services of a horologist, an expert in the care of clocks and grandfather clock restoration with the skills and know-how to keep them functioning and in good condition without sacrificing 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.

It can be a very complex procedure to repair the intricate workings and movements, but in some cases this is needed. Broken parts will need to be possibly re-made and the dial made need to be restored. Cases may require re-veneering, new mouldings, or extra length added on if this had been modified at some point.

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.

A horologist should always strive to maintain original qualities with minimum adjustments. The materials used in the work should be the same or as similar as is possible to the originals, and a minimal amount of the existing materials should be eliminated as to preserve the appearance. If a natural process such as corrosion has started, it should be prevented from worsening.

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.




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