The volume "Pennsylvania Clocks and Clockmakers" by George Ekhardt lists the Eberman family of clockmakers. John 1749-1835 and another John, a Jacob and Joseph who all made some clocks. No George.
Wood swells across the grain as it absorbs moisture. If the grain is evenly distrubuted from front to back, then it absorbs moisture evenly and just gets wider. If, however the wood grain is not evenly distributed from front to back, then the more dense grains will swell more than the less dense grains and result in a warp.
The same kind of warp can occur even if the grain is evenly distributed if...the rate of moisture absorbtion is limited through the front side because it is sealed with a paint or varnish...and the backside is left unfinished.
Some cabinetmakers yesterday and even today fail to apply a sealer to the back side of a solid wood panel.
That being said, carefully examine the backside of the door on your Eberman standing clock for some kind of shellac. It could be something as simple as applying a coat of shellac to the backside of the door to inhibit the warp.
I would personally advise locating a local craftsman to handle any repairs on the case rather than shipping the case to the mainland but there are several very reputible and skilled dial refinishers throughout the US. The same can be said for the clockworks movement.
Les
Wood swells across the grain as it absorbs moisture. If the grain is evenly distrubuted from front to back, then it absorbs moisture evenly and just gets wider. If, however the wood grain is not evenly distributed from front to back, then the more dense grains will swell more than the less dense grains and result in a warp.
The same kind of warp can occur even if the grain is evenly distributed if...the rate of moisture absorbtion is limited through the front side because it is sealed with a paint or varnish...and the backside is left unfinished.
Some cabinetmakers yesterday and even today fail to apply a sealer to the back side of a solid wood panel.
That being said, carefully examine the backside of the door on your Eberman standing clock for some kind of shellac. It could be something as simple as applying a coat of shellac to the backside of the door to inhibit the warp.
I would personally advise locating a local craftsman to handle any repairs on the case rather than shipping the case to the mainland but there are several very reputible and skilled dial refinishers throughout the US. The same can be said for the clockworks movement.
Les
