Vintage 1900-1904 Chelsea Clock -- anyone have an idea as to approx value?

[Der Biermeister]

It is serial number #4800 (Boston) and looks almost exactly like this one:


However, the one in the photo I believe has a 10" dial. Mine is 4.5". And it has "regular" bells vs. ships bells.

Needs a lot of brass polishing and could use a trip to a good clock man for cleaning and oiling, etc.

Am I right in guessing that original finish commands a higher price?

[rabidliter]

It is serial number #4800 (Boston) and looks almost exactly like this one:


However, the one in the photo I believe has a 10" dial. Mine is 4.5". And it has "regular" bells vs. ships bells.

Needs a lot of brass polishing and could use a trip to a good clock man for cleaning and oiling, etc.

Am I right in guessing that original finish commands a higher price?

man that would be a great furniture piece. original finish does command a higher price.

[John MS]

It is serial number #4800 (Boston) and looks almost exactly like this one:


However, the one in the photo I believe has a 10" dial. Mine is 4.5". And it has "regular" bells vs. ships bells.

Needs a lot of brass polishing and could use a trip to a good clock man for cleaning and oiling, etc.

Am I right in guessing that original finish commands a higher price?

If you are polishing brass it likely means someone polished off all of the original patinated finish. Shiny brass is worth a fraction of one in original condition. Were the numerals removed and polished too?

[Der Biermeister]

If you are polishing brass it likely means someone polished off all of the original patinated finish. Shiny brass is worth a fraction of one in original condition. Were the numerals removed and polished too?

I have no idea as to what the original finish was, i.e., patinated,lacquered, whatever. Ever since the clock was handed down to me (some 45 years ago), it has been in its current state. I know some people get items redone professionally at a brass shop (and I do not know what the process is). I guess that is the differentiation I am asking about.
Thanks
DB

[John MS]

I have no idea as to what the original finish was, i.e., patinated,lacquered, whatever. Ever since the clock was handed down to me (some 45 years ago), it has been in its current state. I know some people get items redone professionally at a brass shop (and I do not know what the process is). I guess that is the differentiation I am asking about.
Thanks
DB

Many of those older clock cases had a chemically created finish that was applied to the base metal which could be brass, copper or bronze. That thin finish is called patination, or a chemically created aging of the base metal. Usually what happens is some well-meaning but clueless soul decides that it's just old corroded brass and merrily polishes away with Brasso until the patination is worn away and it shines like a candlestick. The original finishes are muted and quite attractive while brass is brassy.

I'm sure that someone restores patination. It would be worth researching what the original finish was. If it in-fact was polished brass then you may be ok. You might inquire at the NAWCC or the American Clock Museum in Bristol Ct. Or check Tran Duy Ly at Arlington Books.

[Der Biermeister]

Many of those older clock cases had a chemically created finish that was applied to the base metal which could be brass, copper or bronze. That thin finish is called patination, or a chemically created aging of the base metal. Usually what happens is some well-meaning but clueless soul decides that it's just old corroded brass and merrily polishes away with Brasso until the patination is worn away and it shines like a candlestick. The original finishes are muted and quite attractive while brass is brassy.

I'm sure that someone restores patination. It would be worth researching what the original finish was. If it in-fact was polished brass then you may be ok. You might inquire at the NAWCC or the American Clock Museum in Bristol Ct. Or check Tran Duy Ly at Arlington Books.

Good advice -- thanks I will start checking.