Very Old English Grandfather Clock

[newport48]

I have inherited an eight day English clock with bell strike. Mahogany case ...perha ps early 19th. Century. I have an a specialist clock restorer fixing the mechanism and he is impressed about the good state.

Lots of veneer and basically sound but needs cleaning and waxing.

I am terrified to start and need advice about first steps.

Any ideas?

John S

Pic is attached

[Woodwould]

If it's sound, just wax it. Follow the directions on the tin and don't use steel wool to apply the wax.That will make the case glow and won't cause it any irreversible harm.

[newport48]

Thanks for the advice.

The other problem is some of the veneer is curling and lifting, any thoughts on glue to use? I have lifted the bits that were flaking and cleaned off the old glue.

John

Flickr: A.melanoxylon's Photostream

[Woodwould]

Thanks for the advice.

The other problem is some of the veneer is curling and lifting, any thoughts on glue to use? I have lifted the bits that were flaking and cleaned off the old glue.

John

Flickr: A.melanoxylon's Photostream

Please don't wax any area that's damaged or where veneer is lifting as the wax will make it impossible to glue any necessary repairs. Also, please don't attempt repairs on this antique if that's not your speciality.

There are few restorers who have experience with good Georgian furniture, but who will still 'have a go'. One of them could completely devalue your clock with inappropriate materials and methods.

I have been a restorer/dealer for over thirty years and I have seen many fine pieces destroyed through ignorance and gung-ho practices. I see you're in Melbourne (ish). I would recommend you contact Graeme Brown Antiques (591-593 & 597 Malvern Road, Toorak Victoria, 3142. Telephone 9827 6303) and speak to Jason or Rob Brown (Rob is a member here, but, I don't think, a regular visitor).

[mark david]

Hi i completely agree with wouldwould it's best not to muck around with it unless you have experience.Lifting veneers are common and a PITA to deal with it's not just a case of gluing them back down there will be decades of grime wax and old glue built up behind the cracks.

It's best no to go overboard with restoration as unless they are by good makers are not worth a huge amount since the bottom fell out of the antiques market In the u.k you would be amazed that you can pick up really attractive longcase clocks in the sub £1000 mark.Significantly less infact than reproduction examples.

I have been sickened many times over the years by attending high profile antiques fairs in England and routinely seeing fine pieces of furniture which have stripped and french polished and they haven't even bothered to fill the grain properly.The effect is awful as you can imagine.

Your clock looks old and should stay looking that way and a good clean and wax is probably all the case needs.

[newport48]

Thanks for the good advice.

I dont want the case to look like new, but make it sound enough for another 200 years. I have had quotes from antique restorers, but my budget wont go that far.

John



Flickr: A.melanoxylon's Photostream

[auscab]

Please don't wax any area that's damaged or where veneer is lifting as the wax will make it impossible to glue any necessary repairs. Also, please don't attempt repairs on this antique if that's not your speciality.

(Rob is a member here, but, I don't think, a regular visitor).

I agree with the Woodwould Approach and Marks, and thanks for the recomendation Wooodwould,

John, I would think that the more detailed the photographs you put up here the more detailed the responses can be, and I have seen plenty of good advice given here.

Try putting up the main structural problems first eg the base of the case ,and over all shots of the whole clock front and back, and if they are a size that when we click on them they enlarge would be good,

If it,s just loose bits , loose veneer and scuffy original polish , you should be right,

Missing mouldings , feet , metal parts, locks and keys hinges etc,are going to need to be done right and not made worse, So that may beyond your capabilities. same with original finish repairs

And the movement, if it needs anything, it needs a good clock Person.

cheers Rob