Well my little prize is almost complete. The movement and case are complete now so I just need to locate (probably have to make) some proper feet for the case and locate a good dome and base.
I just couldn't look at this beauty every day and not get to work on it. It turns out it was in better condition than I could have hoped for. The movement needed no more than a good cleaning overhaul and 6 bushings. The verge required a bit of polishing due due to wear, but what would you expect from 170+ years of use. The inlay was perfect and the case joints is where most of the time was spent carefully separating and gluing. I was able to keep the original wood finish by only doing a very careful cleaning a light polishing.
I can safely say that this case is about 90% condition wise. The original gold fired gilding on all the brass pieces was long gone so I polished the brass and lacquered. I also polished and lacquered the movement.
I have also been able to verify, by the movement and case markings, that the date is indeed circa 1840. It now sits on my test shelf and has been ticking away for about 48 hours keeping near perfect time.
I may, at some point have the dial restored only because of the brass center piece. The dial work is beyond my skill set, but for now I think it looks great! More importantly...my wife loves it.
I couldn't help myself.....I stole it.
- Kip
- The Administrator
- Posts: 35166
- Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2007 8:45 pm
- CW-watches: 150
- LE-one: yes
- LE-two: yes
- LE-three: yes
- LE-foura: yes
- LE-fourb: yes
- LE-five: yes
- LE-six: yes
- LESeven: yes
- Location: New Hampshire, USA
Re: I couldn't help myself.....I stole it.
Kip
"Asylum Administrator"
Visit the CWArchives for everything CW. Historical, specs, manuals and resale. It is all there.
"Asylum Administrator"
Visit the CWArchives for everything CW. Historical, specs, manuals and resale. It is all there.
- Amor Vincit Omnia
- Moderator
- Posts: 33783
- Joined: Sat Jun 11, 2011 7:34 pm
- CW-watches: 4
- Location: Norfolk, UK
Re: I couldn't help myself.....I stole it.
That is looking very fine, Kip. Well done indeed.
Steve
Linguist; retired teacher; pilgrim; apprentice travel writer
Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. (Max Ehrmann)
Linguist; retired teacher; pilgrim; apprentice travel writer
Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. (Max Ehrmann)
- tempusmaximus
- Senior Forumgod
- Posts: 19245
- Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2013 1:37 pm
- CW-watches: 1
- Location: UK
- gaf1958
- Trusted Seller
- Posts: 12431
- Joined: Sat Jun 16, 2012 6:24 am
- CW-watches: 24
- Location: ɐᴉlɐɹʇsn∀ 'ʇsɐoƆ ǝuᴉɥsunS
I couldn't help myself.....I stole it.
That is a job very well done Kip. It's looking great, but can I please request an update when you manage to find a dome to suit it? I can appreciate the clockwork, but as an "old school" cabinet maker's son (e.g. quality bespoke furniture), I can definitely appreciate the inlay work on this piece.
CW C1+2xC3+6xC6/60K+C7+C11+3xC60T+2xC65+C90+2xC600
Omega Ω 11xSpeedy+14xSeamaster+4xConnie+DeVille
Cartier+2xPanerai+2xFarer+2xOris+Sinn+11xSeiko+ManyVintage
B&R+Halios+5xVisitor+TagH+6xTissot+2xZelos+4xCertina+more
Family12xCW+2xΩ+Cartier
Omega Ω 11xSpeedy+14xSeamaster+4xConnie+DeVille
Cartier+2xPanerai+2xFarer+2xOris+Sinn+11xSeiko+ManyVintage
B&R+Halios+5xVisitor+TagH+6xTissot+2xZelos+4xCertina+more
Family12xCW+2xΩ+Cartier
- Kip
- The Administrator
- Posts: 35166
- Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2007 8:45 pm
- CW-watches: 150
- LE-one: yes
- LE-two: yes
- LE-three: yes
- LE-foura: yes
- LE-fourb: yes
- LE-five: yes
- LE-six: yes
- LESeven: yes
- Location: New Hampshire, USA
Re: I couldn't help myself.....I stole it.
I most certainly will post a photo when feet dome and base are located.
Kip
"Asylum Administrator"
Visit the CWArchives for everything CW. Historical, specs, manuals and resale. It is all there.
"Asylum Administrator"
Visit the CWArchives for everything CW. Historical, specs, manuals and resale. It is all there.
- MiniMpi
- Trusted Seller
- Posts: 37683
- Joined: Sun Apr 10, 2011 9:56 am
- CW-watches: 17
- Location: Cork, Ireland
Re: I couldn't help myself.....I stole it.
That is top work Kip, Well done my friend
It looks even more fantastic now and it will bring you lots of enjoyment over the years I'm sure.
It looks even more fantastic now and it will bring you lots of enjoyment over the years I'm sure.