Clock Restoration Project

Hi Guys,
This is not a BUILB of a new clock (as most of the threads on this forum are), but just a RESTORATION of an old clock, so I hope you will allow me to indulge myself by sharing my "Christmas Holiday Project" (after all, there does not seem to be much happening around here at the moment.

I went to a local "flea market", just before Christmas, and found this lonely clock, in pieces, in a box on the ground next to a gentleman's table of wares. It is an Ansonia "Kitchen" or "Mantle" clock. It had several pieces of ornamentation broken off and one piece completely missing. The finish left much to be desired!

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On getting the clock home, and investigating further, I was able to determine that it was an Ansonia "America" model. This model was produced between 1880 and 1895. I presume, from the pencil inscription inside the case, and written BEHIND the movement, on the case, that it was originally sold on 11th August, 1890 (or was that 8th November, 1890??)

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First, I stripped back the original finish to bare wood, using methylated Spirits to dissolve the old shellac.

Second, I had to manufacture a replacement part for the missing "Grass tuft" ornament on the left hand side. I took the original clock to be made from American Mahogany, which is unavailable in Australia. However, I was able to find a bit of Queensland Maple, which has a similar grain. I traced the shape from the other side and cut out a mirror image to match. I was able to stain it to approximately match, using a mixture of Mahogany and Walnut stain

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Thirdly, I glued all the bits back together with some authentic "Hide Glue" that I got from a chinese e-Bay store for an=bout $3 -$4 and then brushed on 10 -12 coats of orange shellac.

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I am quite happy with the result!

I was able to strip down the movement, and clean it properly, polish the pivots, and oil it. So now, a 126 year old clock might get to see a few more years before it's life is over, and perhaps my kids or (yet non existent) grand kids might get to enjoy it too

Most importantly, I got at least ONE project completed over my Christmas break!

Enjoy!

Walesey