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An Antique Lover’s Guide to Restoring Antiques

n antique is anything that’s hand-built Many antiques are beyond use without Preserve
and over 100 years old. Age can make restoration or even refinishing, so here are Preservation involves keeping an object from
Asome pieces quite valuable, while others the four main options to consider based on destruction and seeing to it that the object is not
are not worth saving; however, most antique the value, condition, and your understanding of irredeemably altered or changed. Preserving an
restoration work is completed on pieces that the piece’s significance: Refinish, Restore, object places additional layers of requirements
hold more sentimental than monetary value. Preserve, or Conserve. on the decisions regarding materials and
Some antique owners restore or refinish a methodology. In preservation, the final
piece to revive a cherished heirloom. Some The Hartford Extra Mile appearance is no longer the prime factor, but
DIY to upcycle something old and undesirable rather, retaining the maximum amount of
into something new. Others are looking to building fabric.
preserve a piece that could hold significant
monetary or historical value. Conserve
It’s important to know the facts about your In conservation, the absolute maximum
object and what options to consider before amount of the original material, in as unaltered
deciding how to proceed and how much to condition as possible, is preserved. Any repairs
spend on a piece. Only a pro can help an owner or additions must not remove, alter, or
decide what steps will enhance—or hurt—the permanently bond/cross-link to any original
market value of your antiques. material. All repairs or additions must be
If you suspect you own a high-value or Refinish reversible and removable without affecting the
museum-quality piece, have it looked at by a Refinish simply means to make an object condition of the original material now, and in
licensed appraiser who can verify its value and look like new. The object to be refinished is just the future. Conserving an object means the
authenticity. By doing so, you’re also uncovering a base or starting point for the client/designer’s object dictates all choices on how it is treated.
necessary information that can help you decide imagination. The object, materials, and method It’s not always easy to know when to shell
what steps to take next. You only need to watch of construction, historical importance, or place out the money for professional restoration when
Antiques Roadshow to know that a well-inten- in time are not critical. The object itself does not a little DIY elbow grease could do the trick.
tioned refinishing on a misinformed piece can place restrictions on the work to be done. Consult an antiques restoration expert to discuss

lead to a drastic decline in value. If you think it Restore your options and make the best decision.
may be valuable, seek advice from a professional. Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary (1975)
defines restoration as, “a bringing back to a
Saint Louis former position or condition.” With this
Street Clock Co. method, the most important requirement is the
final appearance. The client and restorer
determine the most desirable period of an
object’s life, and the restorer does whatever is
necessary to return the object’s appearance to
Restoration & Sales of
that period.
Vintage Street Clocks

Specializing in:
E. Howard & Co., Seth Thomas,
Brown Street Clocks, Ansonia, RESTORATION &
Joseph Mayer
APPRAISALS
Stlstreetclock.com
Eric Ryback – 314-651-1051

A Would You Like To Be An Antique

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