Steampunk Questions
Operational Questions
Repairs Questions.
Before & After Repairs
CAST IRON CLOCK
circa 1850-1899
Complete Restoration
In this restoration project, I meticulously restored a customer's heirloom clock, ensuring it was fully functional and transformed into a new color reflective of the 1850-1899 era. After cleaning and assessing the piece, I discovered its rich history, including a damaged onlay and foot, as well as multiple layers of paint from its past. I undertook serious cleaning of the clockworks to restore its functionality. Drawing from my auto body class experience, I carefully selected a period-appropriate color and executed the restoration with attention to detail. This project was truly a labor of love, bringing new life to a cherished family heirloom.
GRANDDAUGHTER CLOCK
circa 1930-1940
Complete Restoration & Conversation
This beautiful clock was a cherished family heirloom that a customer recently took possession of after years of neglect and a bit of flooding. It had seen better days, and from what I gathered, it had undergone A second replacment movement, costing under $500. Upon receiving the clock, I extracted the movement and discovered it had suffered significant damage, with a broken spring and housing.
As I cleaned the clock case, I noticed several issues with the body. Parts of the beading were missing, there were veneers that needed replacing, and some chipping was evident. The wood had dried out, losing its beautiful quarter-sawn grain. Additionally, the clock face was scratched and the glass was absent.
In search of a new clock face of that size, I came up empty-handed. I brought these challenges to the customer's attention, and together we devised a restoration plan that suited their needs. I carefully repaired the body, staining it with a rich, time-honored red oak finish. To rejuvenate the clock’s appearance, I opted to place a new face over the old one. We also replaced the old movement with a battery-powered chime mechanism, ensuring reliable operation.
Now, this stunning clock is not only a restoration of history but also a piece with a brighter future in its new home. It truly is a beautiful reminder of cherished memories and a testament to the care that went into preserving it.
Black Mantle Clock
cir 1800-1900
Restoration & Steampunk Modification
While exploring a small Nebraska town, I discovered an old lumber company building transformed into an antique store. Amidst the dust and nostalgia, a black mantle clock caught my eye, its surface draped in grime and its fragile paper-like columns showing signs of wear. Despite its condition, I felt a deep urge to save it.
After negotiating a fair price with the dealer, I took the clock home, eager to restore it. I spent an afternoon carefully cleaning years of dust, revealing its hidden beauty. I then applied wood conditioner to nourish the raw wood, restoring its luster and ensuring it would last.
The columns presented a challenge—I didn't want to lose the clock's historic charm by replacing them with modern materials. Inspired, I decided to use copper tubes and brass rings for a unique yet complementary touch. After crafting and attaching the new supports, the clock transformed into a striking piece that retained its antique appeal.
I also tended to the clock’s mechanism, cleaning its intricate gears. When I wound it up for the first time, a sense of excitement washed over me as it ticked steadily.
Now, this restored clock stands proudly in my home—a symbol of resilience and creativity. Each tick serves as a reminder that even forgotten treasures can find a second chance and continue to tell their stories in a new time. If your interested this piece is for hire!
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