Clocks cease to function due to one of two reasons: because of breakage or wear of a specific component or because the mechanism becomes gummed up.
Where a broken or worn part must be replaced or mended every effort is made to retain as much as possible of the original material. Likewise, the repair work is performed in a manner as consistent as possible with the original manufacturing techniques. The aim is to remain as true as possible to the character and providence of the original work.
Clock mechanisms become gummed up due to the accumulation of dust and dirt over years of use. This dirt and dust gradually interacts with and contaminates the oil used to lubricate the mechanism. The oil loses its lubricating ability and the mechanism becomes gummed up. The solution is the complete dismantling of the clock mechanism and the thorough cleaning of all the component parts prior to reassembly and appropriate lubrication.
The cleaning and repairing of the clock case can also be undertaken. Sometimes a careful clean and polish is all that is required to remove an accumulation of surface contamination. Sometimes cases which have been treated with a shellac polish can have areas where this polish has broken down. The damaged polish will have to be removed and the area repolished. Another not uncommon problem is the loosening or loss of veneers. These veneers need to be reattached or replaced.
Where a broken or worn part must be replaced or mended every effort is made to retain as much as possible of the original material. Likewise, the repair work is performed in a manner as consistent as possible with the original manufacturing techniques. The aim is to remain as true as possible to the character and providence of the original work.
Clock mechanisms become gummed up due to the accumulation of dust and dirt over years of use. This dirt and dust gradually interacts with and contaminates the oil used to lubricate the mechanism. The oil loses its lubricating ability and the mechanism becomes gummed up. The solution is the complete dismantling of the clock mechanism and the thorough cleaning of all the component parts prior to reassembly and appropriate lubrication.
The cleaning and repairing of the clock case can also be undertaken. Sometimes a careful clean and polish is all that is required to remove an accumulation of surface contamination. Sometimes cases which have been treated with a shellac polish can have areas where this polish has broken down. The damaged polish will have to be removed and the area repolished. Another not uncommon problem is the loosening or loss of veneers. These veneers need to be reattached or replaced.
