Brass Case Refurbishment of Ansonia Crystal Regulator Clock - Third Installment
In the third instalment of our series, we delve into the restoration process of the brass case of a 1910 Ansonia Crystal Regulator Prism clock. This American-made time and strike crystal regulator, found by the author's wife during an antique shopping trip in late summer 2018, is a treasure worth preserving.
The clock movement required 5 bushings during servicing, and after the servicing, it ran for a full 8-day cycle. With the movement now in good working order, our focus turns to the restoration of the brass case.
The case, heavily tarnished due to the absence of protective lacquer, needed careful attention. The search results did not provide specific information on restoring a 1910 Ansonia Crystal Regulator Prism model clock. Therefore, we've devised a detailed restoration approach based on best practices for antique brass clock cases.
Step 1: Disassembly and Cleaning Carefully disassemble the clock, removing the movement and glass panels to avoid damage. Clean the brass gently using a mild solution of warm water with a few drops of dish soap and a soft cloth to remove dust and grime. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads that can scratch the brass.
Step 2: Removing Tarnish Use a gentle brass cleaner or polish specifically formulated for antiques. A paste made from baking soda and lemon juice or a commercial non-abrasive brass cleaner can be effective. Apply polish with a soft cloth, rub gently in a circular motion to remove tarnish. Test any cleaner on a small inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not damage the patina or finish.
Step 3: Preserving Patina For clocks over 100 years old like the 1910 Ansonia model, consider preserving some natural patina rather than making the brass look new. The patina adds character and value. Avoid aggressive polishing that strips the brass down to bare metal unless the case is heavily corroded.
Step 4: Polishing Finish After cleaning, buff the brass lightly with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to enhance its natural shine without over-polishing.
Step 5: Protective Coating (Optional) If desired, apply a thin coat of microcrystalline wax or a lacquer designed for brass to protect from future tarnish. This step is typically done by professionals, as improper lacquer can yellow or peel.
Step 6: Reassembly Once the brass is clean and dry, carefully reassemble the clock, ensuring each part fits without forcing.
Given the delicate prisms and beveled glass panels of the Ansonia Crystal Regulator Prism models, handle the parts with great care throughout the process.
If you are not experienced in clock restoration, consulting a professional antique clock restorer is recommended to avoid accidental damage to valuable components. This approach ensures the brass case is preserved both aesthetically and historically.
To preserve the finish, each piece of the disassembled case was treated with two thin coats of lacquer before reassembly. The clock, which was not working when it was brought home, now stands restored and ticking away, ready to keep time for many more years to come.
The focus of this article shifts towards the restoration of the distinct brass case of the 1910 Ansonia Crystal Regulator Prism clock, a timeless treasure in the realm of vintage clocks. After cleaning the brass gently, the next step is to consider preserving some natural patina, as it adds character and value to antique clocks such as this one. A gentle brass cleaner or polish specifically made for antiques can be used to remove tarnish, ensuring it does not damage the patina or finish by testing it on a small, inconspicuous area first.
