SCHWILGUÉ, STRASBOURG, FRANCE, 1884, installer / retailer GUGUMUS FRÉRES, NANCY, FRANCE

Refinishing work:

The dial hands were originally blued but had become rusty. The only way to restore such a part is to refinish and re-heat the part to get the desired blue color. These hands originally had a grained finish and this was retained. Bluing is partially an art as every steel blues differently, the color change is rapid and must be stopped by quickly quenching the part in water or oil. Larger parts like hands can be especially difficult since it is difficult to obtain a uniform color throughout the part's surface.

The clock had in addition to its brass dial and maker's plate, a unique dedication plate giving details of the original installation of the clock. All brass plates were in need of re-polishing. Doing this, by necessity will remove the original black wax that was used to fill the the engraved lettering to make them stand out. After cleaning and polishing of the plate, wax was applied. The last photo shows how the wax is carefully heated to fill the engraved gooves. The final step is a clear coat to protect the entire surface. The last photo shows the clock dial ready for wax next to the completed maker's plate. Note the circular outline of the bush in the center of the dial as well as the one just to the right and below the maker's plate, this was due to the proper masking job prior to painting of the frame.

The first two photos below show the stripped frame down to the bare metal. Before painting first all pivot holes (bushings) must be covered. These holes have already been polished. Masking tape is applied and cut to the outline of the bush. The frame is painted three coats with a few days to dry in between. Finally the gold striping is added. This is a time consuming and laborious job. The gold is oil based, so mistakes are not easily corrected. Note in the last photo the striping is on both inner and outer plate faces, this would have normally only been done on the outside faces. The last photo shows more of the masking work needed on various parts before lacquering.