On 6/16/2009 8:56 AM DGDevin spake thus:
> Marty wrote:
>
>> I am restoring an old mantle clock. Is there a way I can remove the
>> instruction label without destroying it?
>
> I am under the impression that in the antique community the words
> "restore" and "destroy" are close to synonymous when used by someone
> who is not an expert. You might consult with a professional document
> conservator who can advise how to unglue a sheet of paper from wood
> without destroying it. However if the clock has any value beyond the
> sentimental, i.e. if it's worth any serious money, this sounds like a
> job for a pro.
True that.
However, if it's the OP's own clock, I might suggest using steam to
remove the label, which as someone else said here may be attached with
hide glue, which separates pretty easily with a little moisture. This
would be the best way to avoid damaging either the label or the wood.
--
Found--the gene that causes belief in genetic determinism
David Nebenzahl wrote:
> On 6/16/2009 8:56 AM DGDevin spake thus:
>
>> Marty wrote:
>>
>>> I am restoring an old mantle clock. Is there a way I can remove the
>>> instruction label without destroying it?
>>
>> I am under the impression that in the antique community the words
>> "restore" and "destroy" are close to synonymous when used by someone
>> who is not an expert. You might consult with a professional document
>> conservator who can advise how to unglue a sheet of paper from wood
>> without destroying it. However if the clock has any value beyond the
>> sentimental, i.e. if it's worth any serious money, this sounds like a
>> job for a pro.
>
> True that.
>
> However, if it's the OP's own clock, I might suggest using steam to
> remove the label, which as someone else said here may be attached with
> hide glue, which separates pretty easily with a little moisture. This
> would be the best way to avoid damaging either the label or the wood.
Yep. And after he gets the item refinished, PUT THE LABEL BACK.
I've got a sextant that had a calibration certificate affixed to the
interior of the mahogany box in which it was stored. I managed to remove the
label (with steam). After sprucing up the box, I put the label back with gum
Arabic. The sticker reads: "U.S. Naval Observatory Collimation Certificate"
with a hand-written date of "March 13, 1944."
I think the stickers add a bit to the item.
"Marty" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I am restoring an old mantle clock.
> Is there a way I can remove the instruction label without destroying
> it?
Marty,
I've used a single-edge blade scrapper before and it works nicely - if
you're careful. Wasn't to successful in putting them back on so they
still looked original though. Most likely it was glued on with hide
glue.
Bob S.
Marty wrote:
> I am restoring an old mantle clock.
> Is there a way I can remove the instruction label without destroying
> it?
I am under the impression that in the antique community the words "restore"
and "destroy" are close to synonymous when used by someone who is not an
expert. You might consult with a professional document conservator who can
advise how to unglue a sheet of paper from wood without destroying it.
However if the clock has any value beyond the sentimental, i.e. if it's
worth any serious money, this sounds like a job for a pro.