Introduction
This article summarizes the conditions and repair steps as presented. The restoration focused on stripping paint, documenting case measurements, repairing damaged wood, and reconstructing the crown of a Seth Thomas Eclipse clock case.
Initial Condition and Restoration Goals
Inherited clock condition
The case had been modified, painted, and repaired with nails instead of glue. The crown and glass were replacements, and dents and damage suggested the clock had been dropped.
Reference case
A second Eclipse case was purchased to serve as a model for restoring the original clock.
Restoration objectives
Strip paint, repair damaged wood, recreate the crown, and return the case to a more original appearance.
Movement removal
The movement, strike assembly, and alarm were removed before restoration began.
Wood identification
The case appeared to be walnut, with some internal blocks made of other woods.
Paint Removal and Surface Preparation
CitriStrip application
CitriStrip was applied over several days to loosen paint layers.
Mechanical removal
A putty knife removed most paint, followed by denatured alcohol rinsing.
Sanding and detail cleaning
240‑ and 320‑grit sandpaper and dental tools were used to remove remaining paint.
Hide glue preparation
A hair dryer was used to soften hide glue during disassembly.
Final cleaning
Additional alcohol cleaning and sanding were planned before refinishing.
Door and Trim Measurements
Door frame details
The door frame was documented with measurements, including the glass opening and wing placement.
Glass dimensions
The removed clear glass measured 12‑11/16" × 6‑15/16", 1/8" thick.
Decorative wings
Four decorative wings were measured and photographed for replication.
Trim condition
Base trim showed nail holes from previous repairs and required careful restoration.
Blocking and attachment
Underlying blocks securing trim were documented for accurate reassembly.
Main Case Structure and Damage Assessment
Side panels
Sides included sloped tongues to fit grooves in the base. Damage was visible on the back edge of one side.
Latch and hinge details
One case used a latch, while the reference case used a hook, indicating different production years.
Dial mount
The dial mount was thin and cracked; reinforcement or replacement was considered.
Top assembly
The top consisted of two pieces with dowels connecting to the side panels.
Crown replacement need
The existing crown was historically inaccurate and required full reconstruction.
Crown Reconstruction Planning
Pattern creation
Cardboard and plywood templates were created for each crown component.
Wood selection
Walnut was chosen for the final crown; oak was used for practice pieces.
Tooling
Router, Dremel, drill press, and table saw were used for shaping components.
Sphere elements
Walnut spheres were sourced as potential replacements for decorative balls.
Carving considerations
Small woodcarving chisels were recommended for detailed work.
Case Reconstruction and Progress
Wood replacement
Damaged poplar sides and top were replaced with new poplar stained to match.
Dial plate replacement
A new walnut dial plate was fabricated.
Hide glue assembly
The case was reassembled using hide glue for historical accuracy.
Movement installation
The movement was reinstalled and running successfully.
Dial refinishing recommendation
A professional dial refinisher was suggested to restore the Seth Thomas dial.
FAQs
How was the paint removed?
CitriStrip, scraping, alcohol rinsing, sanding, and dental tools.
What wood was used?
Walnut for visible components; poplar for structural replacements.
How was the crown replicated?
Templates, router shaping, carving tools, and walnut spheres.
Was the movement reinstalled?
Yes, after case repairs were completed.
What about the dial?
Professional refinishing was recommended for best results.
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