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Archived from the discussion flow on the Maillist Clocks. Copyright is with
the original author.
With the advent of the increased interest in, and collectability of synchronous electric clocks, I believe some form of classification of repairs and restorations are necessary. Following these guidelines will result in increased valuation and appreciation of these timepieces.
The next three CN's (Current Notes) will outline the specific guidelines for repairs/restorations required for each classification. I am open to recommendations and suggestions, as well as criticisms, and would request that responses be directed to the list. When finalized, these classifications and guidelines will be submitted to NAWCC, AWI, and BHI. This will be not for their approval, but more for their inclusion as suggested procedures and hopefully be utilized by professional restorers and repair shops.
Repairs/restorations will fall into one of three categories. They are "Production Line Quality", Collectors Quality", and "Working Condition". The clockmaker who endeavors to provide services to synchronous electric clocks can follow these guidelines and be assured of providing a level of service appropriate to the clock itself as well as for the owner, buyer, seller, or collector of the clock. These classifications and guidelines are primarily used on post WWII production clocks. Earlier clocks, even if production line clocks, may not benefit from these guidelines. The value of some of these clocks is being governed by its comparison to older mechanical clocks and providing services according to these classifications may actually decrease the value. It should be up to the individual owner, collector, or buyer to determines the appropriate service level for pre-WWII clocks. Some of these guidelines are designed to take into account the fact that much published manufacturers literature and research material is simply not available. Many parts are not available and the cost of having them made is prohibitive for some classifications. Many movements have already been modified and verification of original configurations and restoration to original condition may be extremely difficult if not impossible. Also taken into consideration is the advent of electronic reproduction capabilities for printed material found on electric clocks such as scenery backgrounds, paper dials, and decals.
Research material that may accompany a restored clock could consist of reproductions of advertisements of the clock being offered in a catalog, dates of production or other service information from a manufacturers manual, or any other pertinent material that will help with the historical identification and preservation of the timepiece. The accompanying material can be placed in any suitable paper container, should not be laminated, and should be so indicated on the classification tag. Original material, not reproductions, will always help increase the value of a particular timepiece.
Electrical safety issues, as well as acceptable and necessary safety modifications, are required for all classifications and are included following the description of each classification.
All synchronous electric clocks will have a restorers mark placed on the clock. This mark will be placed on the inside of the movement cover, on the inside of the rear case door, or under the base of the clock. Marks should never be placed over labels, other restorers marks, or over any identifiable marking or feature on the clock, and should not be visible except from under the base. Marks should not damage the case parts in any way. Description of marks follows each guideline.
Costs of repairs/restorations should be left to the individual restorer but should reflect the level of service provided each timepiece. Values of specific timepieces after restoration is best left to the marketplace, but typical values for Collectors Quality may be 1.5 to 3 times higher than Working Condition. Production Line Quality restorations may typically be 2 to 5 times higher than Collectors Quality.
Whether you, as a professional restorer, use these classification guidelines depends on your market, your attitude towards repair, and the requirements of your customers. While it may seem a bit arrogant for me to suggest these guidelines, I believe that they are necessary, considering the level of repairs and restorations currently being performed by some individuals. Also considering that no such guidelines currently exist, now is the time for them to be instituted. Synchronous electrics clocks, in my opinion, are the last truly collectible timepieces. As more and more people become interested and active in collecting them, it benefits us all to be able to utilize some sort of standards when restoring or purchasing. Finding a restorers mark will ensure that the timepiece has been repaired or restored appropriately.
Mike Frost
The following guidelines are for restorations of synchronous electric clocks to a Production Line Quality. This is the highest and most desirable classification and should only be undertaken by restorers with the ability to do such restorations. Service to clocks under these guidelines will ensure that the clock has been restored to the same condition as when it came off the production line, and that every attempt has been made to research the proper original condition and return the clock to that condition. .
CASE WORK: All clock cases are to be completely cleaned and the finish restored as original. All chips, cracks, scrapes, and wear are to be removed or repaired. Color matching must be exact. Any metal or plastic trim and bezels that were originally plated must be replated if blemishes cannot be removed or polished out. Damaged clear plastic dial glass and covers must be polished or replaced. Identification stickers unrelated to the clock, such as clock shop address tags, must be removed. Dial faces, hands, attachments, or motion works are to be completely restored. Missing case parts must be replaced with original parts or new pieces made. Printed paper and film dial faces, background scenery, labels, tags, and decals must be restored to original condition. Retouched electronic reproduction of these items, on like material, is permissible. Paintings on cases and parts, either by machine or hand, must be restored completely. Previous repair marks must be retained. .
MOVEMENT: Movement plates are to be restored to original condition, using original materials, including protective coatings, polishing, stampings, printing, and etchings. All parts of the movement trains are to be returned to the original configuration. Modification, addition, and deletion of parts is not acceptable unless such actions are suggested in original manufacturers publications and can be verified. Phenolic resin and plastic wheels, pinions, and pivot plates are to be replaced only with the same material as original. Bushings of any standard type are acceptable, and spacers should only be added where absolutely necessary. .
MOTORS: Only original style motors, coils, and rotors will be used unless suggested replacements are documented in a manufacturers publication. Motors, coils, and rotors must be repaired to proper working condition. Markings on motors, rotors, and coils are to retained. Repairs to motors, coils, and rotors should show as little evidence of repair as possible. Modifications for safety are allowed AND required as specified below.
MARKING OF CLASSIFICATIONS All synchronous electric clocks will have the restorers mark placed on the clock. This mark will be placed on the inside of the movement cover, on the inside of the rear case door, or under the base of the clock. Marks should never be placed over labels, other restorers marks, or over any identifiable marking or feature on the clock, and should not be visible except from under the base. Marks should not damage the case parts in any way. Marks will conform the following standards: PRODUCTION LINE QUALITY restorations will be indicated on a 3/4" round adhesive paper tag. A suitable covering such as varnish or shellac may be used to protect the tag and help with adhesion. A line will be drawn horizontally through the center from side to side. Above the line will be a four digit date code and the restorers mark. The restoration date code will be in the form: 1297 or 9712 for December 1997, as an example, and the restorers mark can be initials or a specific mark. Below the line will be the capital letter P inside a small circle, the circle being inside a square, with the circle touching the square in four places. Outside the circle, and to the right, the capital letter R will indicate that specific research material has been found and accompanies the timepiece.
SAFETY MODIFICATIONS FOR ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS GENERAL: Any bear wires that carry live current at any time are to be replaced with black insulated braided wire of a gauge between 18 and 22 AWG. Wire connections are to be twisted and secured with a wire nut suitable for the size and number of wires connected. Standard electrical tape IS NOT suitable for wrapping wire connections. Original coil and motor leads should not be re-used due to possible cracking and loss of insulating quality. Lead bosses must be repaired or replaced if cracked or missing and wires attached to them must have properly fitting retaining nuts. Bosses must be secured to the inside of the case or on the movement as appropriate.
COILS: When original coils need to be replaced, new coils must be on a plastic or paper bobbin, with end flanges, wrapped with insulating tape, and numbers marked as original. Covering the coil with epoxy is not acceptable as this does not allow for heat generated by the coil to be properly dissipated. Rotors, whether replaced or repaired, must carry the original stampings and show as little evidence of repair as possible. If the original rotor number is not known, another like rotor may be substituted. Motors must have all original components and show as little evidence of repair as possible. All original markings, stampings, and inked numbers must be retained. Applying epoxy to frayed wire leads that pass through motor housings is not acceptable.
CORDS: Original cloth coated cords should not be re-used. Replace with UL listed replacement cloth coated cord. Any cracked, frayed or broken cords and plugs with broken or missing parts are to be replaced. Cord grommets must be in place where the cord passes through metal case parts. A knot tied in the cord inside the case is recommended to keep the cord from being pulled from the case. Original half-round plugs with no grip neck allowed for removal from the wall only by pulling the cord and are to be replaced with a comparable plug with a grip neck.
Mike Frost
The following are guidelines for restorations of synchronous electric clocks to Collectors Quality. This classification covers many everyday restorations and can be accomplished by most experienced restorers. Service to clocks under these guidelines will ensure that the clock has received a quality restoration. Some non-documented modifications are allowable due to the non-availability of parts information, or to improve the function and/or operation of the clock. Generally, more 'patina' is allowed on the clock. .
CASE WORK: All case work should include a complete cleaning with minor repairs to extensive or blatant damage. All missing parts should be replaced. Extremely pitted or worn plated trim and bezels should be replated. Nominal wear and corrosion on plating is acceptable and remaining plating should be polished. Dial face, hands, and motion works should be in place and cleaned, however, normal wear and tear is acceptable. Printed paper and film dial faces, background scenery, labels, tags, and decals should only be replaced if missing or badly damaged. Retouched electronic reproduction of these items is acceptable only for replacement of missing or badly damaged items. Case painting should be re-touched only for excessive damage or wear. .
MOVEMENT: Movements should be repaired to working condition, with as much original configuration as possible. Modifications made prior to the restoration may be retained if correction would damage the movement or other parts, or if the correct configuration cannot be determined. Other modifications are allowed only if suggested in original manufacturers publications. Plates and trains should be cleaned, bushed, and lubricated as necessary. Phenolic resin and plastic wheels, pinions, and plates may be replaced with a suitable material in the original configuration only. .
MOTORS: Motors, coils, and rotors should be repaired to working condition, with acceptable and required modifications for safety. Motors, rotors, and coils need not be the original style if they were changed prior to restoration. No verification is needed.
MARKING OF CLASSIFICATIONS All synchronous electric clocks will have the restorers mark placed on the clock. This mark will be placed on the inside of the movement cover, on the inside of the rear case door, or under the base of the clock. Marks should never be placed over labels, other restorers marks, or over any identifiable marking or feature on the clock, and should not be visible except from under the base. Marks should not damage the case parts in any way. Marks will conform the following standards:
COLLECTORS QUALITY restorations will be indicated on a 3/4" round adhesive paper tag. A suitable covering such as varnish or shellac may be used to protect the tag and help with adhesion. A line will be drawn horizontally through the center from side to side. Above the line will be a four digit date code and the restorers mark. The restoration date code will be in the form: 1297 or 9712 for December 1997, as an example, and the restorers mark can be initials or a specific mark. Below the line will be the capital letter C inside a small circle. Outside the circle, and to the right, the capital letter R will indicate that specific research material has been found and accompanies the timepiece.
SAFETY MODIFICATIONS FOR ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
GENERAL: Any bear wires that carry live current at any time are to be replaced with black insulated braided wire of a gauge between 18 and 22 AWG. Wire connections are to be twisted and secured with a wire nut suitable for the size and number of wires connected. Standard electrical tape IS NOT suitable for wrapping wire connections. Original coil and motor leads should not be re-used due to possible cracking and loss of insulating quality. Lead bosses must be repaired or replaced if cracked or missing and wires attached to them must have properly fitting retaining nuts and bosses must be secured to the inside of the case or on the movement as appropriate.
COILS: When original coils need to be replaced, new coils must be on a plastic or paper bobbin, with end flanges, wrapped with insulating tape, and numbers marked as original. Covering the coil with epoxy is not acceptable as this does not allow for heat generated by the coil to be properly dissipated. Rotors, whether replaced or repaired, must carry the original stampings and show as little evidence of repair as possible. If the original rotor number is not known, another like rotor may be substituted. Motors must have all original components and show as little evidence of repair as possible. All original markings, stampings, and inked numbers must be retained. Applying epoxy to frayed wire leads that pass through motor housings is not acceptable.
CORDS: Original cloth coated cords should not be re-used. Replace with UL listed replacement cloth coated cord. Any cracked, frayed or broken cords and plugs with broken or missing parts are to be replaced. Cord grommets must be in place where the cord passes through metal case parts. A knot tied in the cord inside the case is recommended to keep the cord from being pulled from the case. Original half-round plugs with no grip neck allowed for removal from the wall only by pulling the cord and are to be replaced with a comparable plug with a grip neck.
Mike Frost
The following guidelines are for repairs to synchronous electric clocks to a Working Condition. This is the least desirable, but most common, service provided to clocks. Many electric clocks have limited value and do not justify restoration to a higher quality. Repairs should be made to return the clock to working condition. Electric clocks without a higher classification mark should be considered in 'working', or 'as is' condition. Clocks repaired to this level of quality are not generally suitable for collections, but many may be found in dealer's inventories. .
CASE WORK: Case work should include at least a good cleaning, and replacement of badly damaged or missing parts may be necessary for proper operation and esthetics. Excessive wear is acceptable. Dial glass should be replaced if missing or cracked. Missing motion works may be replaced, either with something close to original, or removed completely. Paper should be glued when peeling, but replacement is not necessary. .
MOVEMENT: Movements should be repaired to working status and may be replaced with another movement, or in some situations, replaced with a quartz movement or fit up electric movement. Trains should be cleaned and bushed where appropriate. Any modification that assists the clock in functioning properly is acceptable. .
MOTORS: Repairs to motors, coils, and rotors should be done and required safety modifications MUST be done. Any suitable replacement motor, coil, or rotor may be used as long as the clock functions properly and keeps accurate time.
MARKING OF CLASSIFICATIONS: Marking clocks repaired to Working Condition is not necessary. If so desired, the tag would be the same as other classifications, except that the capital letter W, underlined and inside a small circle, would be used. Research material generally does not accompany these pieces.
SAFETY MODIFICATIONS FOR ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS GENERAL: Any bear wires that carry live current at any time are to be replaced with black insulated braided wire of a gauge between 18 and 22 AWG. Wire connections are to be twisted and secured with a wire nut suitable for the size and number of wires connected. Standard electrical tape IS NOT suitable for wrapping wire connections. Original coil and motor leads should not be re-used due to possible cracking and loss of insulating quality. Lead bosses must be repaired or replaced if cracked or missing and wires attached to them must have properly fitting retaining nuts and bosses must be secured to the inside of the case or on the movement as appropriate.
COILS: When original coils need to be replaced, new coils must be on a plastic or paper bobbin, with end flanges, wrapped with insulating tape, and numbers marked as original. Covering the coil with epoxy is not acceptable as this does not allow for heat generated by the coil to be properly dissipated. Rotors, whether replaced or repaired, must carry the original stampings and show as little evidence of repair as possible. If the original rotor number is not known, another like rotor may be substituted. Motors must have all original components and show as little evidence of repair as possible. All original markings, stampings, and inked numbers must be retained. Applying epoxy to frayed wire leads that pass through motor housings is not acceptable.
CORDS: Original cloth coated cords should not be re-used. Replace with UL listed replacement cloth coated cord. Any cracked, frayed or broken cords and plugs with broken or missing parts are to be replaced. Cord grommets must be in place where the cord passes through metal case parts. A knot tied in the cord inside the case is recommended to keep the cord from being pulled from the case. Original half-round plugs with no grip neck allowed for removal from the wall only by pulling the cord and are to be replaced with a comparable plug with a grip neck.
Copyright 1997 by Mike Frost TIME GUARD, INC. 9655 RICHMOND STREET MANASSAS, VA 20110 1-800-390-5540 "HELPING YOU SET THE CURRENT TIME."
Mike Frost: lincoln@mnsinc.com
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