Kundo base coating - remove it?

[KurtinSA]

I recently acquired this clock at a regional event. It's plate 1407B...just a narrow plate full sized model. What struck me from the beginning was the base and the rough coating that was on it. Seems out of place. You can see how it looks relative to the columns, etc. There's also a close up of what was under the base cup. It looks like it was originally the usual polished brass. I figured I'd probably see if it would come off...but polishing doesn't really do anything to it. Guess I'll have to attack it with lacquer thinner or the like.

I wonder when the coating was applied and why. But is there a possibility there was some kind of serious "blotch" at the factory and the coating was put there to cover it up? I wonder what I might find once the coating is off.

Any thoughts?

Thanks...Kurt

 

[TickingBob]

As someone new to 400 Day clocks, I polished a couple of miniature Kundos recently, using a buffing wheel to remove the old lacquer and impart a polish. Perhaps not as delicate as using a chemical softener but worked well (and quite quickly) on finials, balls and the reasonably well on the pendulum. Before and after images below (distortion due to phone camera). Getting into the 'grooves' on the base was trickier.
Bob

 

[KurtinSA]

Bob -

I've done as you have, although I don't have a buffing wheel...I just use elbow grease. But in this case, this is the first that I've seen of some kind of "spray on" layer. It seems there's nice brass underneath, but I hope I don't find something awful and wish I'd left things alone.

Nice looking clocks!

Kurt

 

[MartinM]

I recently acquired this clock at a regional event. It's plate 1407B...just a narrow plate full sized model. What struck me from the beginning was the base and the rough coating that was on it. Seems out of place. You can see how it looks relative to the columns, etc. There's also a close up of what was under the base cup. It looks like it was originally the usual polished brass. I figured I'd probably see if it would come off...but polishing doesn't really do anything to it. Guess I'll have to attack it with lacquer thinner or the like.

I wonder when the coating was applied and why. But is there a possibility there was some kind of serious "blotch" at the factory and the coating was put there to cover it up? I wonder what I might find once the coating is off.

Any thoughts?

Thanks...Kurt

View attachment 529095 View attachment 529096

When a base got marred or otherwise was less than presentable as a new item, both KundO and Schatz simply fixed the flaw by installing another, smaller cover over the base that was only as big as the inside edge of the glass groove.
When I find these and the base is otherwise able to be polished, I save them for use on a clock with a dent or big gouge in the tableau.

 

[KurtinSA]

Martin -

I've run into at least one of those...kinda made me scratch my head at first, but now I understand why. I ended up just putting it back the way it came.

In the current situation, it's like there's a spray-on bed liner on the base...it doesn't look good and looks out of place. I guess I'll just find something to chemically remove it and take my chances as to what's underneath.

Kurt

 

[MartinM]

Martin -

I've run into at least one of those...kinda made me scratch my head at first, but now I understand why. I ended up just putting it back the way it came.

In the current situation, it's like there's a spray-on bed liner on the base...it doesn't look good and looks out of place. I guess I'll just find something to chemically remove it and take my chances as to what's underneath.

Kurt

Yeah. What's the worst that could happen?... You find some Bondo?
Just don't "soak" it in anything.
I'm pretty sure there is a wood disc in the middle of that one that will expand and thoroughly destroy the entire base.

 

[KurtinSA]

In this case, it appears there's nothing in between the layers...hard to tell. I had a similar situation and found a gel based paint stripper which stays in place when painted on. That way I can be careful to keep anything from getting in between the layers.

Kurt

 

[KurtinSA]

I used some paint stripper...will need to do some more touchup in some areas. Basically it looks like someone...I can't see how the factory did this...put the coating on to hide the cracks in the brass...maybe other blemishes. I'll do some polishing to bring some of the brightness back. It looks better even with the cracking.

Kurt