Antique Boulle Clock ca1850 WIP

[boulle]

Hi all... my name is Roger.
A family heirloom,.. a fancy 19th century clock headache...
IMGP5198c.jpgHow best to restore. My research seems to indicate its a Boulle Shelf or Mantle Clock made somewhere around 1850 in UK or France. I found a similar one in UK on internet. Its configured as a stylised shaped wooden box mounted on cast guilded legs with a marquetry facade and guilded trim. (see pic) Main issue is "Lifting marquetry" plus some staining around marquetry edges and under paint. Seems original glue after >150 years of variations in temperature and humidity (UK then Australia) has let go in a couple of places so marquetry is lifting. But not too badly damaged. So have decided to avago at restoration.
Challenge #1
Repair the marquetry in keeping with restoration practice. Have determined recommended practice for glue removal is warm water however the first question is "should I remove/reglue all the marquetry inserts and how?". e.g. low temp electric iron on marketry to heat/dissolve glue
Challenge #2
What to use? Hide or Fish glue .?.
Challeng #3
Cleaning. ie. tooth brush, hot water, dilute wash powder and dilute elbow grease in short bursts and minimum wood wetting via hot air drying after working each small area.
Challenge #4
Paint... assume water based but what recipe?

Also need a source for antique brass escutcheon pins 1.5mm dia x 12mm long.. qty 4.

Would very much appreciate any advice re cleaning method/materials and how to restore paint. have no intent to repaint, just clean. My thoughts are just a slow and careful warm water small area wash but after first refixing marquetry and possibly cleaning stains.
YoHo - Fun ball bouncin time ahead.

Any commentary at all will be appreciated.

Roger

[Walesey]

Hi Roger,
That is a very nice clock, and may be valuable, but if you do the wrong thing, it is easy to turn a valuable antique clock into a worthless "paper weight". Don't be too hasty!

I really do not have much advice to give you (other than to tread slowly and carefully). Unfortunately, you are a long way from Sydney. I have joined up with the Sydney chapter (Chapter 72) of the NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors) here in Sydney, and have seen similar clocks that have been done up to new condition and look spectacular! I know that there are folk here in Sydney who could help you out, but it is probably unreasonable for you to get down here easily. I am sure that Brisbane would have a similar group, and might be closer.

There is a NAWCC Internet forum (based in USA) where you might get some advice.

Does the clock work mechanically?

Cheers

Walesey

[boulle]

Hio Walesey
Thanks for your cautionary note. I've been so cautious that I'm yet to wind it up to hear if it ticktocks and/or hammers the bell yet. Just have to work up a bit of courage I guess.

[boulle]

Ok good people... I'm about to venture where I fear to tread... wind the clock and start the thread
Cheers

[Old gunnie]

Beautiful clock. How did this go?