Posted 3 years ago
Gage_rober…
(68 items)
Here is my final for the black welch Seth Thomas marriage clock. It took me a while, and some investigation, but it turned out the case was originally Seth Thomas Adamantine, and the movement is a E.N. Welch. The top rectangular section was original a marble veneer, and so was the trim piece on the outer edge, (the curved piece on the top was always black) I decided in the end to preserve the outer edge piece by repainting and touching up the original marble veneer, but the top rectangular section I opted to restore black, as I didn’t think touching it up/ repainting it was going to look as good. The dial mount section of the case had to be filled with bondo in various areas where the Adamantine had chipped off, to make it smooth. It was then repainted with the gold and then clear coated. Lot of effort went into this restoration. Was it worth it? Probably not. But Im glad I was able to bring back a piece of history that was literally falling apart!
When it needs a touch up restoration and you did a fine job,and looks perfect from this end. Sometimes you can do the gold using gold leaf sheets, then using paint to do some of final touch ups. That is very easy to do and sometimes adds that final touch !~
Very nice work Cage! Was it worth it to you? If you were to sell the clock, you should get more for it than you would have before you did all of that work. If you broke the difference down by the number of hours you put in, you wouldn't want to depend on your income to make a living with, but this is a hobby, yes? Antiques are to be appreciated for what they are and what they were. Very nice!
Thanks for sharing with us!
Bruce
@PhilDMorris Thanks for the tip. I will be going back later to touch up the lower corners that have rubbed back to wood, and a few other spots that need touching up. Thanks for your comment!
- Gage
@Bruce99 Yes this is true Bruce, unfortunately when I bought this clock I was not as informed and knowledgeable about the value of these clocks as I am now, so I ended up paying WAY more than what it was worth. That is why I mentioned if it was worth it because in the end the only amount that a normal person would be willing to pay for it now that it is restored is only like 20 over what I payed for it. But in the end, it is more about honoring the history and bringing a clock back from the dead. This clock was rough, neglected, and forgotten, and I think I managed to bring it back from that to capture peoples interest with its victorian beauty once again!
Thanks for your comment Bruce, more posts to come!
- Gage
Look forward to those posts Gage. The more you learn, the better will be your purchase decisions. There are many "Nooks and Crannies" in antique clocks. If you buy remotely, you'll still get burned but you'll learn from each and every experience. The NAWCC Forums can be a huge help in making a wise purchase decision.
Keep 'em coming. :)
Gold Sheets come in what is called a book, should be able to get from a good art store or Michaels craft store. They are easy to work with. The fake is as good as the real gold sheets. I have used both. Simply apply glue and after about an hour use the gold leaf. Sometimes if there were a lot of spots missing on a ornate piece I touched it up with paint afterward and must last touch was some varnish or gloss paint. I used gold leaf on some of my coats of arms that I have !~
An art store would also carry some gloss finish that is painted on, I have used that also.