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About Steve Guthrie C.C.
Expertise
Certified Clockmaker with 30 years of experience. I can answer clock repair or maintenance related questions. Please don't expect answers advising the use of bubble gum, bailing wire or WD-40. I only give advice that is meant to preserve your clock in the best possible condition, not make it worse. No questions regarding clock value or identification. I am not a collector and cannot do valuations. Visit my website at: http://www.arlingtonclockrepair.com/

Experience
Clock repairman in the north Texas area for 30 years.

Publications
I was featured in an article by the Watch&Clock Review regarding my restoration of a tower clock for the Wise County courthouse in Decatur, Tx.

Education/Credentials
Certification as a clockmaker with the American Watchmakers/Clockmakers Institute since 1986.

Past/Present Clients
General public,Six Flags Over Texas,Collin County,Tx.,Wise County,Tx.,Rapides Bank,Rapides Parrish,La.

You are here: Experts > Style > Antiques > Antique Clocks > 1920 Seth Thomas Mantel Clock

Antique Clocks - 1920 Seth Thomas Mantel Clock

Expert: Steve Guthrie C.C. - 9/5/2008

Question
We have been given the "family clock" which is a 1920 Seth Thomas Mantel Clock. It was not working when we received it. It has been in the hands of a certified clockmaker for the past 3 months and is now working. It is scheduled to "come home" next week and we want to restore the outside. It is a veneer finish and needs to be cleaned and polished. Thank you for any information you can give us rookies :)

Answer
If it is a wood veneer, a nice job can be done with Guardsman cleaner and polish. However, since this is a Seth Thomas, I would suspect that the veneer you refer to is actually their Adamantine case which is celluloid applied during manufacture. This is a thermo-plastic(the first)and does degrade over time. I've included this link to give you a bit of background-
http://aic.stanford.edu/jaic/articles/jaic30-02-003_4.html
From this you can see how tricky cleaning it could be without causing harm. Some ideas for cleaning celluloid slide rules discussed here-
http://www.sliderule.ca/wood.htm
I can't say I agree with the Scotch pad idea as it could too easily leave scratches in the plastic making it appear hazy if too much pressure is used, but the method of using diluted Palmolivesound s safest. Remember to use extra caution with the cloth around the corners, as it can "grab" and cause the edge of the celluloid to chip.
Be sure to mention to the repairman your intentions so he can advise you on any precautions to take so the repair job is'nt affected.

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