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.
At some point in time, these clocks may have had modifications made to its movements, or someone may have tried to fix it in a manner which is not suitable. When a horologist encounters such an issue, it will be necessary for him or her to remove any inappropriate pieces or bonding agents entirely, and then repeat the repair in a way that is suitable in terms of techniques and the materials used based on the age and make of the clock.
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.
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.
In addition to having the right attitude about minimal changes during the process of grandfather clock restoration, a horologist must be a fully trained and qualified person who has the appropriate credentials. A diploma in antique clock restoration is the ideal background for a horologist to possess.
At some point in time, these clocks may have had modifications made to its movements, or someone may have tried to fix it in a manner which is not suitable. When a horologist encounters such an issue, it will be necessary for him or her to remove any inappropriate pieces or bonding agents entirely, and then repeat the repair in a way that is suitable in terms of techniques and the materials used based on the age and make of the clock.
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.
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.
In addition to having the right attitude about minimal changes during the process of grandfather clock restoration, a horologist must be a fully trained and qualified person who has the appropriate credentials. A diploma in antique clock restoration is the ideal background for a horologist to possess.
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