Clock face

nokiatom

I have a Smiths Astral clock but the face is not in good condition. The company closed down many years ago. Can the face be replaced or repaired ? any info would be great. thanks

Wibbs

Ohhh, if I'm not mistaken that's one of those military sector dials? Better council will likely be along shorty, but one thing I would not do is get it "repaired". That would involve destroying the dial and the history behind it. FWIW NT, if it were mine, I'd stabilise the rusty bits and gently clean the crud off the dial and leave it as is, patina and history attached. And if it matters, more valuable that way.

Have you any pics of the whole clock NT?

nokiatom

its a ship's radio room clock.

Winterlong

I am with Wibbs on this one. Get the clock restored so far as that involves removing all the dirt and grime and getting some oil or grease on the rust bits to prevent further corrosion. And dont keep the clock in the shed, it deserves to be indoors for the rest of it's days.

The glass and outter case should shine up nicely. The clock insides look ilike they need some attention. If the clock in sentimental and you want it running for many more years to come then get it serviced. The cogs behind the main face wont survive too long if made to work in that condition.

There is an increasing and steady market for maritime pieces. What kind of ship was it do you know? Looks like a military dial to me too.

Wibbs

I reckon that would polish up nicely. Granted many folks don't like patina, or have different thresholds for it, but I think that's a beauty.

Winterlong

And please dont post here about how you paid €3.50 and a Match Attack card for the clock at a jumble sale!!!! That brings out the jealous side of me...
It is lovely though. Rust and all.

nokiatom

to be honest I did not pay anything for it. I actually salvaged it before it was about to be dumped. The silly thing about it is that the person dumping it was the radio officer that used it ! So now I know the vessel that had this clock as well!

nokiatom

the reason why it is rusty is that he put it into a bag left it out in the garden. it was there for a couple of years. he also he also had a frame made to display the clock !