Ansonia Art Nouveau metal case

[colin.sdad]

I acquired an Art Nouveau style metal case clock, believe called "Ophelia", paint quite faded. Any way to brighten? Can it be repainted?

 

[EscapeWheel]

Can you post a picture of your clock? It really helps with advice.

Here's a thread that might help. Rub N Buff seems to be recommended quite a bit here. I haven't tried it yet.

Old French production brass clock restoration | NAWCC Forums

 

[colin.sdad]

Can you post a picture of your clock? It really helps with advice.

Here's a thread that might help. Rub N Buff seems to be recommended quite a bit here. I haven't tried it yet.

Old French production brass clock restoration | NAWCC Forums

 

[EscapeWheel]

What a beautiful clock! I think I'm seeing different colors - brass, a reddish color on the flowers and white on the lady's gown and hair. If this is original, I'd be tempted to leave it as it is. I hope we can get more opinions.
Perhaps there's a product that just adds a bit of shine without harming the original finish?

 

[shutterbug]

Painting it would destroy its value to a collector. That might be a real issue some time in the future.

 

[JTD]

paint quite faded. Any way to brighten? Can it be repainted?

You say the paint is faded. What part(s) are you talking about? I don't think there was ever very much paint on it. I certainly wouldn't be in a hurry to start painting it. First of all I would just clean it gently, you might be surprised how the colors would come up.

I see it seems to be an Ansonia clock. Someone with Tran's Ansonia book might be able to tell us the original description.

JTD

 

[bpd]

From Tran Duy Ly Ansonia book, Ophelia in the mantel clock metal case section. 8 day, half-hour gong strike, French or Rococo sash, beveled glass, porcelain dial, Arabic or Roman list price $29.00. No mention of color. Dated 1904.

 

[colin.sdad]

You say the paint is faded. What part(s) are you talking about? I don't think there was ever very much paint on it. I certainly wouldn't be in a hurry to start painting it. First of all I would just clean it gently, you might be surprised how the colors would come up.

I see it seems to be an Ansonia clock. Someone with Tran's Ansonia book might be able to tell us the original description.

JTD

The pictures dont show the finish very well unfortunately. The body is a dull verdigris-like color, flowers redish with yellow tinge, woman figure dark skin and white garment. Under magnification, it is evident that there has been paint loss, chipping over most of it. I think it was meant to have had a more vibrant finish. The flowers only stand out because they are raised.
I cleaned it with diluted castile soap, soft cloth and soft toothbrush. Not dripping wet, and no vigorous rubbing. It improved a little. I dont think the style warrants a bright paint. Am thinking of a RubnBuff kind of product like gilders paste. Comes in colors, not just metallics. At least it would be reversible if necessary. Could start with clear to see how it looks. BTW underside shows finish traces that are brighter.