Services
By Julian Cosby
“If a clock is to run, it will need regular maintenance in the form of winding, setting, regulation, cleaning and lubrication. But even the best maintained clocks wear out as they run; and careless winding or setting can damage mainsprings, hands, dials and other components. This means that some parts will inevitably degrade to the point where they no longer function. At some stage you must decide whether to replace the worn parts, compromising the object's integrity, or to stop the clock.”
Repair: whether its simply a clock that has stopped or has become unreliable, keeps poor time, doesn't strike or even wind, give me a call I can help.
Servicing: all clocks require servicing at least every 5 years and fully stripping down every 10 years. If this isn’t done the oil dries out and the congealed remains mix with dust and metal particles to form a very effective grinding paste. This excessive wear destroys* pivots, pinions and bearings often resulting in significantly more damage to the clock leading to expensive repairs.
Restoration: from full restoration to simply reviving the beauty of the original wood, slate, ormolu or brass through correct cleaning procedures.
Dial re-silvering and carriage clock case cleaning, re-gilding and lacquering.
See the Regency double Fusee bracket clock and Serpentine carriage clock examples below.
Conservation of Clocks
The question of restoration is sensitive today, there is a growing school of support towards conservation, after all antiques are our heritage and their originality is compromised whenever worn parts need replacing. Therefore the utmost care should be taken with antiques that the restoration doesn't destroy the integrity of the clock.
