Vintage Clock Parts Guide

Softening and Regluing Brittle Water-Damaged Veneer
Softening and Regluing Brittle Water-Damaged Veneer
This article focuses on softening and regluing water-damaged veneer that has dried, lifted, and become so brittle it crumbles when touched. We'll cover steam softening techniques using handheld steamers, moisture... Read more...
Creating Ultra-Thin Decorative Lines on Clock Cases and Dials
Creating Ultra-Thin Decorative Lines on Clock Cases and Dials
This article focuses on creating extremely fine decorative lines on clock cases, dials, and reverse painted glass—lines thinner than human hair (0.02-0.05mm). We'll cover specialized pen options from technical drafting... Read more...
Repairing Broken Black Slate French Clock Cases
Repairing Broken Black Slate French Clock Cases
This article focuses on repairing severely damaged French black slate clock cases with missing pieces, broken sections, and water damage. We'll cover evaluating damage extent, cutting and fitting replacement stone... Read more...
Restoring Black Marble and Slate French Mantel Clock Cases
Restoring Black Marble and Slate French Mantel Clock Cases
This article focuses on restoring dull, lusterless finishes on black marble and slate French mantel clock cases. We'll cover identifying whether your case is marble or slate, choosing the right... Read more...
Refinishing Ansonia Iron Case Clocks at Home
Refinishing Ansonia Iron Case Clocks at Home
This article focuses on refinishing Ansonia iron case clocks that have been poorly repainted or have damaged original finish. We'll cover stripping methods, surface preparation, paint selection for durable results,... Read more...
Freezing and Storing Hide Glue for Clock Restoration
Freezing and Storing Hide Glue for Clock Restoration
This article focuses on freezing, storing, and using hide glue for clock restoration, offering practical guidance for preserving adhesive quality, preventing mold, and ensuring strong joints in antique clock cases.... Read more...
Removing Tobacco Stains from Clock Cases
Removing Tobacco Stains from Clock Cases
This article focuses on removing heavy tobacco stains from wooden clock cases—the kind that leave yellowish-brown residue on your hands when you pick up the clock. We'll cover the most... Read more...
Cleaning and Restoring Chrome Clock Bezels: What to Do When Chrome Wears Off
Cleaning and Restoring Chrome Clock Bezels: What to Do When Chrome Wears Off
If you're working on an old mantel clock and notice that cleaning the bezel reveals brass color underneath the chrome finish, you've discovered something common—chrome plating that has worn away... Read more...
Restoring Black Sessions Mantel Clock Cases: Metal Ornaments and Finishes
Restoring Black Sessions Mantel Clock Cases: Metal Ornaments and Finishes
Sessions mantel clocks with black cases—whether adamantine or baked enamel finish—often need restoration work on their decorative metal ornaments, marbleized trim, and gold detailing. If you've inherited or purchased a... Read more...
Filling Small Cracks and Gaps in Ebonized Clock Cases
Filling Small Cracks and Gaps in Ebonized Clock Cases
Ebonized clock cases—those beautiful black-lacquered finishes you see on bracket clocks and mantel clocks—present unique challenges when it comes to filling cracks and gaps. Whether you're restoring a fruitwood case... Read more...
English Oak Grandfather Clock Case Restoration: Repairing Plinths, Mouldings, and Hood Damage
English Oak Grandfather Clock Case Restoration: Repairing Plinths, Mouldings, and Hood Damage
Restoring a c.1750 English Oak Longcase Clock Case Restoring a c.1750 English Oak Longcase Clock Case This article focuses on restoring a c.1750 English oak longcase clock case, using real-world... Read more...
Fixing a French Clock Movement That Turns in the Case
Fixing a French Clock Movement That Turns in the Case
This article focuses on preventing a French clock movement from rotating inside its case during winding, including diagnosing loose strap movements, improving case fitment, and using thin gaskets to stabilize... Read more...