This clock that I "rescued" is now ready to strike in 2015. I completely disassembled the movement; cleaned it; reassembled it; made some adjustments; oiled it; and did some cosmetic work on the case. It's around 90 years old (which is not really that old for a clock), and I bet it hasn't struck a new year in for many a year. http://i57.tinypic.com/1huivp.jpg
People have asked me why I don't fix the dial and paint the feet, side handles, and columns a nice new "goldy" colour. I say nope: those little "imperfections" are part of its history.
The dial is silk-screened onto very thin Celluloid which is attached to a convex metal dial pan. There's no way it can be repaired and still be called the original one.
Hi stuey -yes I'm into this sort of thing -I make a comfortable living from buying and selling such stuff, though this is a little older than I normally deal in. I've a little unit in an antique emporium and an online store.
Yes, Retro, I've seen you mention that. If I were over there, I'd certainly make a point of visiting and of course bringing my collection of hundreds of original vintage ads from the '20s to the '70s for you to peruse.
Stuey I remember you telling me about those ads. The last auction I went to there were a couple of rusty old metal advertising plaques from the 1950's and I thought I'd have a silly bid on them -maybe £20 -they went for £95.