ReedS writes:
I just visited a new client who inherited some things from a
Floridian Grandmother. Sad to say, the movers damaged
some things during the transport to New Hampshire.
The movers blamed the rough New England roads for the damage.
The owners state that the clock is 250 years old, Swiss made.
The wood is painted and appears to be pine. I belive that the
finish is original, or at least very old. The movent is cablewound,
the plates are if tin or iron, there is a thin film of rust on them.
The dial is plain painted, I think it has been messed with.
The paint is too white and clean and there are
a few runs and drips through the holes.
We are trying to discover the cause of the damage.
I think some of it is old damage.
The splits on the board at the lower front are caused by
cross-grain construction behind that piece.
I think that the splits in the LSF rear are caused by shrinkage
caused by the tramautic move from damp Fl. to the dry NH winter.
The short grain on the back board simply tearing away as the
wood shrunk.
The splits at the rail below the door are more mysterious.
I saw no impact damage, just the splits.
The RSF rear panel is pushed in and will need some help.
I think that all of these things can be repaired,
but wanted some insight as to the importance of this clock.
If any group members have insight about this clock,
it would be helpful.
Reed Spaulding