Carving Repair

Carving repair is truly an art form compared with many other aspects of clock repair, which tend to be more mechanical in nature. Carving requires a good understanding of, and eye for, 3 dimensions and is often followed up with painting or refinishing.

If you find these carvings interesting, please visit my general carving site a variety of wildlife carvings.


Cuckoo Clock Frame Restoration


As Found

This clock was missing the lower center section of the cuckoo frame.


Image courtesy of Mark Motzko

The only clues remaining to indicate what the missing piece might have looked like was a small section on the inside edge of the lower left log, and the stipple pattern on the leaves, petals and pendulum.


Image courtesy of Mark Motzko

During and After Restoration

The first step required the design to be researched to find a photo of the original pattern or recreate something representative. Unable to find any photos of the original, a sketch was made taking into account a small section remaining on the inside edge of the lower left log.

The remaining horizontal stumps were removed and notched to accept the replacement horizontal section.

The lighting between the before and after photos makes it appear as if the whole frame was stained darker. The original finish of the existing frame was not modified, but the new part's finish was matched as closely as possible. The final carving and finish are nearly indistinguishable from the original.

Here is the frame restored on the clock. The only way to tell the difference is the new section hasn't accumulated a century's worth of dust.


Image courtesy of Mark Motzko


Angel Arm Replacement


As Found

This beautiful Langestraat tall clock had a pair of angels flanking Atlas on the crown, but one of the angels was missing its left arm. The challenge here was that the clock was located in the Netherlands. The matching arm was carved virtually and remotely working only from photos.

Here is a close up side-by-side picture showing the arm from the other angel.


First, a measurement of the missing arm's cross section at the break was provided. It looks like this arm suffered a break at one point in its life.

Fortunately, we had a model from which we could get additional dimensions of the other angels "good" arm.


Images of the clock in its existing state are courtesy of Peter Hageman

During and After Restoration

From additional photos, a sketch showing several angles of the planned replacement was made.

At various stages throughout the carving process, the arm was compared to the additional photos for fine tuning.

When completed, The arm was sent back to its owner in the Netherlands. The arm above the elbow was intentionally made longer than it needed to be so the angle could be cut to match its proper orientation during the installation.

After the owner cut and glued the arm in place, a matching gold finish was applied. Here is the angel with its replaced arm as it now stands restored on the clock. This first virtual remote carving has been deemed a success.


Images of the clock in its existing state are courtesy of Peter Hageman


Floral and Fleur de lis Style Carving


C. Jerome Octagon Chisel Front Regulator

As Found

This clock was missing a small part of the floral carving on the lower right hand side.

During and After Restoration

The missing piece was carved and glued into place. At this point, the match was not very good, but the shape was refined to better mirror the left side of the carving.

A matching stain was applied and then the final finish to seamlessly blend the repair into the existing carving.

Clock Repair & Restoration , Version: 1.00.00
Copyright © 2018, Tom Glebas