Posted 12 years ago
salvagedsp…
(1 item)
I'm looking for advice on this New Haven clock I purchased a few months ago. I purchased it broken and I just got it running last night! It's still going. :)
Now I'm thinking of restoring it, but I don't want to ruin it. It's rusty in spots and is chipped/scratched so I was originally planning on painting it. What do you think? Does anyone have any advice to give? Will painting it ruin any of its value? I'm not planning on selling it, but I just want to make sure I'm doing the best thing for the clock.
I love it as is.
Dave
Refinishing any antique clock can drastically reduce it's market value to collectors. This is particularly true if the finish is not appropriate to the original clock. Unless the original finish is in really bad condition to the point that it no longer protects the underlying material or detracts from the appearance of the clock, leave it alone. Even a badly aged, weathered, beaten finish is preferable to some collectors. I agree with pw-collector. Think long and hard before you refinish it.
According to my reference (which is not always complete) your clock is called the New Haven "Capri" from circa 1937. Cast metal case finished in Rose, Green, Black or Ivory. Do you see any color under the chipped silver paint? It may have already been painted.
This model is described as having a two-tone, gold-color dial (yours may have faded, or may have been silver to begin with); polished brass bezel, convex glass. "Full0toned alarm bell with top shut-off. 30-Hour movement. Originally retained in '37 for $1.50...approximately $25 today.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Thanks, Bruce! Where do you get all of that info? I would love to have a resource like that! It doesn't look like it's ever been finished in Rose, Green, Black, or Ivory. The silver finish looks original to the piece (I'm thinking this because I can see the bare metal underneath the chips). I think I've decided to leave it as is.
You can see some more detailed photos of it here: http://www.salvagedspaces.com/2012/10/junkmaster-update-i-fixed-old-clock.html