Complete Restoration of a Fusee Skeleton Mantle Clock

This fusee skeleton mantle clock arrived at Clock Corner in very poor condition. The dial was heavily pitted and marked from knocks and years of exposure, while the movement was coated in dried oil and dust. The steel components had also become blackened, and the clock was missing its hands, key and pendulum.

Restoring the clock dial

The clock was first dismantled from its marble base so that the dial could be carefully treated. It was cleaned and polished before being re-coated and re-silvered, restoring the crisp appearance and legibility expected of a fine antique clock.

Cleaning and repairing the movement

We then fully disassembled the movement for a thorough inspection and clean. Years of dried oil mixed with dust had formed a heavy coating over the wheels, and the steelwork was visibly blackened.

During the inspection, we found that two of the internal pallets were badly worn. This was consistent with a clock that had been well loved and regularly used. The mainspring had also collapsed, so the barrel was cleaned and a suitable replacement mainspring was fitted.

Finding the right pendulum and making new hands

Finding a pendulum of the correct length proved to be a time-consuming part of this antique clock restoration. Once a suitable pendulum had been sourced and fitted, we made a new pair of hands to complement the newly silvered dial.

Rebuilding and testing the mantle clock

The painstaking rebuilding process could then begin. Every component was carefully refitted and the fusee skeleton movement was fully tested to ensure that the clock was running correctly before it was returned to its customer.

This restoration brought together dial finishing, specialist movement repair and careful period-sensitive workmanship to give a neglected fusee skeleton mantle clock a new lease of life.

 

Completion Sep 2026

Need a clock restored?

If you have an antique or vintage clock in need of repair or restoration, Clock Corner can help. Contact us to tell us about your clock and how we can assist.