Cleaning a silvered dial and brass accents on a Junghans bracket clock
Restoring a 1911 Junghans Bracket Clock: A Delicate Cleaning Process
A 14-inch high, 10-inch wide, and 6-inch deep Junghans bracket clock from 1911 has been given a new lease of life, thanks to a careful cleaning process. This German mantel clock, adorned with brass accents and a mahogany veneered case, was purchased from a local online buy and sell site.
The cleaning process began with the dial, a silvered dial that is common on antique clocks. To clean such delicate surfaces, it's essential to be gentle and avoid abrasive or harsh chemical cleaners. Instead, a mild liquid soap and Q-tips were used to lift off the grime, as dirt on non-porous silvered dials is surfaced-based.
Cleaning the clock's dial required patience and care. After hours of gentle rubbing, the dial has been significantly improved, although not perfect, and retains an aged look with an acceptable patina. Missing paint on the numerals was filled in with black acrylic paint.
The clock's Regency style veneered mahogany case is in reasonably good condition, with a small piece of veneer missing on the right side of the base and replacement chrome feet. After cleaning with Murphy's soap and three coats of shellac, the case has been freshened up. Brass features above the base section were polished using Q-tips and Brasso, and inset panels were given a fresh coat of shellac. The carrying handle on top was also cleaned with Brasso.
Because silvered dials can be fragile and unique, if the dial is valuable or delicate, it's advisable to consider consulting a professional clock restorer with experience in antique dials for advice or cleaning.
The Junghans bracket clock, despite being over a century old, was found to be a higher quality clock compared to another available option. This restoration project is part of its rejuvenation, with the plan to address both the case and the dial to bring it back to its former glory.
[1] While no sources explicitly detailed cleaning silvered dials, the advice aligns with standard antique clock care as referenced in the clock repair context, suggesting that dials require similarly gentle, targeted care. On clock forums, users often caution against strong chemicals and recommend gentle, minimal intervention on painted or silvered clock faces.
The vintage Junghans bracket clock, now restored, complements a vintage-inspired lifestyle, blending seamlessly with decor trends in fashion-and-beauty as well as home-and-garden. Its refurbished brown mahogany veneer case adds an air of sophistication to any living space, while the clean, silvered dial recalls the charm of vintage clocks.
