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.
Restoring the clock's mechanisms to working order can be a delicate procedure, but this is necessary if a timepiece has stopped keeping time correctly. It may require dial restoration or the re-making broken components. The case may need new mouldings, re-veneering, or length added on as sometimes this has been altered to allow the piece to fit into a smaller space for instance.
One type of case restoration involves repair of the Dutch marquetry, a fancy type of detailed design which may have deteriorated due to age, woodworm, or it may also have been subject to a repair attempt with inappropriate materials. The horologist will be able to replace damaged marquetry and its underlying structures with the most suitable wood and in the manner consistent with the design.
Graining in a concentric pattern on the chapter ring is not a feature that belongs on clocks which date from earlier than the twentieth century and it can obscure the surface engravings. Following a good restoration, the timepiece should work reliably and look as close to its original appearance as it possibly can, rather than altering it by adding non-traditional features uncharacteristic of its era of manufacture.
Some prominent authorities on antiques believe that it is best to forego any form of polishing or cleaning as this can take away a part of the grandfather clock's character and history. Restorative work to its mechanical parts so that it can keep time does not interfere with this aspect, but some careful thought should be given before restoration is carried out as to ensure that it does not make too many changes.
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.
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.
Restoring the clock's mechanisms to working order can be a delicate procedure, but this is necessary if a timepiece has stopped keeping time correctly. It may require dial restoration or the re-making broken components. The case may need new mouldings, re-veneering, or length added on as sometimes this has been altered to allow the piece to fit into a smaller space for instance.
One type of case restoration involves repair of the Dutch marquetry, a fancy type of detailed design which may have deteriorated due to age, woodworm, or it may also have been subject to a repair attempt with inappropriate materials. The horologist will be able to replace damaged marquetry and its underlying structures with the most suitable wood and in the manner consistent with the design.
Graining in a concentric pattern on the chapter ring is not a feature that belongs on clocks which date from earlier than the twentieth century and it can obscure the surface engravings. Following a good restoration, the timepiece should work reliably and look as close to its original appearance as it possibly can, rather than altering it by adding non-traditional features uncharacteristic of its era of manufacture.
Some prominent authorities on antiques believe that it is best to forego any form of polishing or cleaning as this can take away a part of the grandfather clock's character and history. Restorative work to its mechanical parts so that it can keep time does not interfere with this aspect, but some careful thought should be given before restoration is carried out as to ensure that it does not make too many changes.
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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My parents left a family clock to me in their will. The clock has not worked for years and I want to have it restored. Are big grandfather clocks like wrist watches, where the clock gets damaged the longer the clock is left un-repaired? http://www.johnagillclockrepair.com/Clock-Repair-Restoration-Lansdale-PA.html
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