Gents’ of Leicester Fig. C198 18″ Copper Wall Clock w/ Second Hand Dial

I’d say that my favorite Gents’ of Leicester item is the copper wall clock, this is extra special version with a second hand dial, the red second hand moves so smoothly (See video below).

This is a blend of two clock, a Gent’s synchronous clock with a black frame (infact this exact clock)  and a Gent’s copper framed clock that was in a need of much restoration. See what state this clock was in below!!! This must have been the worst kept clock I have ever seen, and ended up being quite expensive on an eBay auction! The amount of effort to remove the patina (“Patina” is a term that refers to the blue-green layer of corrosion that develops on the surface of copper when it is exposed to sulfur and oxide compounds) from this frame took days and multiple method including building an electrolysis tank!)

After trying multiple methods. I would suggest that boiled vinegar, water (1/3) and salt proved the most effective method at removing the patina and grim. I tried an electrolysis tank and lemon and bicarbonate of soda. Like I said, vinegar, salt and water then using a Brillo pad did the trick to a degree. After removing the patina  I did find that the metal itself did have some corrosion. View the images in the slideshow, you can see that there must have been some sort of chemical reaction with the dial mirrored backing and the copper frame, as there was some sort of gooey goo build up!!! If anyone can explain this, I’m all ears!!!