F Kroeber Louis XIV Mantle Clock Restoration

[clockdoc]

I had a customer bring in a F Kroeber Louis XIV mantle clock for restoration and it has a few problems. First the case has been painted a dull white (cream) color and I'm not sure what color it is supposed to be. She stated that she could not remember it ever being black, but it could have been painted 60 years ago. All of the decorations have been painted a bronze color, which I suspect originally were plated in a manner the feet on black mantle clocks were done. Also, the entire dial has been painted the same gold or bronze color and the bezel broken off and lost. Does any one have one of these clocks that they suspect to be original and could enlighten me on the proper color of the case. I can take care of the applications, but the case will need refinishing and I'm not sure which color it should be. Also, the dial appears to be a brass pan (I will inspect closer) and I think it should be a polished brass dial with black numerals. If any more information is needed I will post and any help any one can offer is greatly appreciated.

Keith

[clockdoc]

I had a customer bring in a F Kroeber Louis XIV mantle clock for restoration and it has a few problems. First the case has been painted a dull white (cream) color and I'm not sure what color it is supposed to be. She stated that she could not remember it ever being black, but it could have been painted 60 years ago. All of the decorations have been painted a bronze color, which I suspect originally were plated in a manner the feet on black mantle clocks were done. Also, the entire dial has been painted the same gold or bronze color and the bezel broken off and lost. Does any one have one of these clocks that they suspect to be original and could enlighten me on the proper color of the case. I can take care of the applications, but the case will need refinishing and I'm not sure which color it should be. Also, the dial appears to be a brass pan (I will inspect closer) and I think it should be a polished brass dial with black numerals. If any more information is needed I will post and any help any one can offer is greatly appreciated.

Keith

[Bob Reichel]

I had the identical problem a number of years ago. When I got the clock it had been used to display flames thru a hole in the top!!!. During the restoration I found a small chip under one of the ornaments. Fire Engine red! It now sits running in its glory on my sons mantle.

Bob Reichel

[lylepete]

I would take the whole case apart and look for a spot that had not been painted. The inside may show the original color. Kroeber's came in a wide range of colors as well red, green, blue pink, white and of corse black. I bought a black versailles once and removed the paint to uncover the original pink finish. Is the case Iron or wood? I'm assuming it is Iron and do you know the model?
William

[clockdoc]

The clock in question is an Iron Case that is the Louis XIV model. I am beginning to believe that the case was originally a cream or off white color. Where the paint has flaked off there are no traces of any other color of paint anywhere.
Keith