French mercury gilded bronze and brass c1790–1820 is the last period of perfection. The case work is still robustly made with their steel and brass ties and nuts still substantial. The problem being two fold – removing the dirt and chemical residue remaining after time and abuse + finding all the bad repairs made over time to keep the case together.
The dial and bezel is in bad shape while the movement is totally rusted together. Dr Sal Rahman knows he has a particular divine clock and wants to spare no expense to have it restored, its the long period waiting that is the hardest.
This is a shot showing the clock and the studio garden.
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Ray Norman – Barbara’s materials mentor + + called from Launceston asking did I know about the use of Molasses in eating away rust? I am intending to use this slow but sure method on the movement, as starters. And yes Ray showed me this maybe 10 years ago. I had to buy and eat my way through a large tub of ice-cream just to get the plastic container . . . so I could start the exercise.
From FaceBook comment by Bob Gould:
Thanks Malcolm. I heard there was a Red Orb reunion a couple of years ago but not until it was over. I like your work restoring that clock case. Very nice.