Product Description

The grandfather clock, an entirely new kind of furniture, first appeared in the late seventeenth century. From then on, with its long case to protect pendulum and weights, its rugged movement and large, clear indication of time, it has been a success story right up to the present day. Virtually none of these clocks is beyond repair and often the work required is within the scope of inexperienced owners. This is the first full-length book to cover repair and restoration of these attractive and often valuable antiques, including their casework. The first part outlines how to clean and service the clock 'works' and also how to refurbish the dial, while in the second part restoration or casework, both structural repairs and finishing, is considered. The illustrations are of two actual clocks (one eight-day and one thirty-hour) and work proceeding on them. The last part of the book sketches common variations from these particular examples. Armed with this book and appropriate tools (for work on both movement and case), the owner of a dilapidated grandfather clock will be encouraged and given the know-how to restore it to life as a useful and attractive clock and a prized possession.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #47933 in Books
• Published on: 1995-03-31
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 224 pages

About the Author
Eric Smith had an interest in clocks from his teenage years and, in retirement, ran a small clock repair and restoration business. He was the author of many books including six on clocks. He was also a regular contributor to various horological magazines. Eric Smith died in 2006. Brian Smith, the son of Eric Smith, shares his father's interest in repairing and restoring clocks and ran his own antique furniture restoration business for five years. He now lives in France.

Customer Reviews

First time long case clock restorer
An excellent book for someone with a technical background. But don't expect an easy read, you will have to work at it. The photographic illustrations help a lot. Obviously I'm not an expert on longcase clocks but having taken the hood off mine it matched up well to the descriptions in the book. The detail is excellent giving sufficient detail to be able to locate the faults and design and manufacture many replacement components.Restoring Grandfather Clocks