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KevinH writes:
Groop Friends,
I got a call from a client that had me restore her piano 13 years ago.
It seems she has received a family grandfathers clock
that needs some special attention.
Half of it appeared in my shop Sunday and the other half on Monday.
This thing is an awesome monster. While the technical qualities
of the cabinet work are average, the carvings are excellent.
The original finish is still in tact, but is very dark and muddy.
The entire thing is quartered oak with some very impressive grain figures.
I would love some Groop opinions as to what should be done to this clock.
I have tried to clean the finish with terpentine and linseed oil
in some of the bad areas, but the changes are not impressive.
I have also tried to French polish some areas
and while they look better,
they still remain dark and mirky looking.
My client would like it to look its best
and is prepared to have me strip and refinish it.
Neither of us want to do the wrong thing to this piece.
If we find compelling reasons not to refinish it,
we will simply restore what we have.
However, it is my opinion that there is georgeous wood
under this ugly finish and it has the potential to be
a very nice restored and refinished masterpiece.
These pictures were taken with a flash and actually show
more wood grain then meets the eye in normal light.
The name on the movement is "Elite".
Everyones opinion is appreciated.
Kevin Hancock
MD
