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Questions about my Bravingtons Renown Mantel Clock

Michael20

By Michael20
in All Things Clocks

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Michael20 Member

Michael20

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I was wondering whether anyone could assist with some questions I have about my latest acquisition, which is a two train ‘Bravingtons Renown’ mantel clock - Pics attached

I have done some reading about Bravingtons and believe they sourced movements from various suppliers, so I wondered whether anyone recognises this one.

I have stripped and cleaned the movement and the clock is now running well, but there are a couple of dodgy brass springs that I would like to replace. I haven’t found anything suitable searching the internet so I wondered does anyone know of a supplier that might help.

Last question is about the veneer on the case, it is generally in reasonable condition but there are a couple of patches on the top where the veneer has lifted. So far, I have tried to reactivate the existing adhesive by heating from below and above with a hair drier, then clamping for a day or two. It has improved slightly but the bulge is still visible. I’d be grateful for any advice if anyone has dealt with this sort of repair before.

Front.jpg

Rear.jpg

Label.jpg

Springs.jpg

Veneeer.jpg

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oldhippy Distinguished Member

oldhippy

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 Compression Spring Various Size. This might be helpful. I have watch furniture restorers and how they go about this problem, they inject glue underneath with a syringe and clamp it, leave over night. Next day remove clamp and it smooth. You could use an iron but be careful not to burn the wood. 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265697329513?chn=ps&_ul=GB&var=565484998457&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1jd_-94ilTHWZLQ3PxHeC1A73&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=565484998457_265697329513&targetid=1647205088320&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=1006662&poi=&campaignid=17206177401&mkgroupid=136851690655&rlsatarget=pla-1647205088320&abcId=9300866&merchantid=119334104&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwir2xBhC_ARIsAMTXk849TnBArEYdgv1DpHf_somCZYmB7ViqD3UtvNJJc_dn4kj0AFxBXngaArSAEALw_wcB

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Neverenoughwatches Distinguished Member

Neverenoughwatches

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1 hour ago, Michael20 said:

Thanks again all. Its becoming obvious I'm not a furniture restorer too but I'll let you know how it goes.

A modern restorer would probably try to inject adhesive as suggested and then weight the repair down. Some damp might have caused the bulge originally.  Traditionally the veneer would have been sliced and glue eased under the two flaps then again weighted back down and refinished once it had cured.  It doesn't look like just an adhesive issue, more than likely expansion of the veneer, worse case it needs a slice taking out. Try some gentle heat on it first , inject glue and weight, to see where it goes.

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rjenkinsgb WRT Addict

rjenkinsgb

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I'd suggest using "hide glue" (eg. Titebond) rather than PVA.

That's what is used in musical instruments, specifically as it can be re-worked when heated, rather than being permanent.

 

Also, while PVA wood glues are incredibly strong on clean, bare wood - they are next to useless if there is any old residue sealing the surface of the wood, it just does not bond.

 

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rjenkinsgb WRT Addict

rjenkinsgb

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This is the one I use for guitar repairs:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Titebond-5012-Liquid-Hide-Glue/dp/B0006NNJY0/ref=asc_df_B0006NNJY0/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=223237768057&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16212824384025093363&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007258&hvtargid=pla-422501086982&mcid=0d99accbc45831df9596e1686fb5359b&th=1

 

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watchweasol Distinguished Member

watchweasol

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Hi that’s what was meant by animal glue “ a glue made from animal products”. Ie bone , skin and other animal residues.  There was a place at Huntington YORK who used to boil down the ingredients. It stunk.   We used it in pellet form in a sort of Bain Marie on a gas ring  it was very good, didn’t think it was around any more with the modern glues, 

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rjenkinsgb WRT Addict

rjenkinsgb

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11 hours ago, watchweasol said:

There was a place at Huntington YORK who used to boil down the ingredients. It stunk.

Off topic, but that just brought back an old memory!

My mother once told me about a minor incident as a child (born 1917, so 1920s, at a guess).

She used to use "Fish glue" for a hobby - an apparently smelly glue that had to be heated to be usable - and to heat it gently, she had to stand the tin in the kettle.

 

One day someone filled the kettle without seeing the glue tin.. The tea tasted of fish for some time afterwards!

 

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Michael20 Member

Michael20

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Thanks all, lots of useful info here. By way of an update I have tried the Iron with a damp cloth method with some success, but unfortunately created a new bubble into which I have inserted PVA glue (should have logged on earlier and read these update with hindsight) that repair is currently clamped so the jury is still out. 

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Neverenoughwatches Distinguished Member

Neverenoughwatches

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2 hours ago, Michael20 said:

By way of an update I have tried the Iron with a damp cloth method with some success, but unfortunately created a new bubble 

Hmmm you know when i said some damp might have caused the bubble originally hmmm 🤨

Edited by Neverenoughwatches
I thought the post also warranted a frowny face🤨
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Michael20 Member

Michael20

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Hi Neverenoughwatches, Yep from what I have seen now I'd say you were probably right, the veneer really doesn't like damp. I got lucky with the new bubble - it split the veneer, so I injected some glue and clamped it overnight. See pic for results. Not perfect but I think this is as good as I am going to get it.

AfterRepair.thumb.jpg.6d0996a585c4a8f4e79f083281c1cd33.jpg

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Neverenoughwatches Distinguished Member

Neverenoughwatches

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2 hours ago, Michael20 said:

Hi Neverenoughwatches, Yep from what I have seen now I'd say you were probably right, the veneer really doesn't like damp. I got lucky with the new bubble - it split the veneer, so I injected some glue and clamped it overnight. See pic for results. Not perfect but I think this is as good as I am going to get it.

AfterRepair.thumb.jpg.6d0996a585c4a8f4e79f083281c1cd33.jpg

Looks great Michael,  just the combination of a damp cloth and iron perplexed me 😅.  Steam will swell the veneer and soften any adhesive underneath. Its amazing what you can do with a little glue, filler and refinishing, good job matey 👍

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