This is the first cartel clock restoration carried out by Raphael, focusing on this Louis XV cartel clock. Boulle marquetry Made of brown tortoiseshell and brass. Restoring a cartel clock is a complex task requiring considerable time and meticulous attention to detail. The curved shapes make gluing delicate operations, and it is generally essential to reattach large sections of the brass elements.
State report
This clock case exhibited widespread soiling, oxidized and tarnished varnish, as well as several lifting and missing areas in the brass and tortoiseshell marquetry. Furthermore, the veneer was peeling from the wooden frame. The gilt bronze mounts were oxidized and soiled, and some of the fixings were slightly loose. The clock mechanism showed signs of wear and dust, requiring a complete overhaul. Despite these imperfections, the piece retained its original coherence and an overall stable structure.
There restoration
The intervention aimed to stabilize and restore the aesthetic unity of the cartel clock while preserving its original materials. After meticulous dusting and delicate cleaning of the surfaces, with the exception of cyanoacrylate glue residue requiring mechanical removal, the detached veneers and marquetry were reattached using animal glue. Gaps were filled with replacement elements made of brass and tortoiseshell substitute.
The furniture's varnish was thinned and refinished with shellac to restore its original shine without compromising the existing patina. The bronze elements were meticulously cleaned and treated with a reversible microcrystalline wax, ensuring their protection and preservation. Furthermore, the clock mechanism was disassembled, cleaned, and serviced by a professional clockmaker, guaranteeing its proper functioning and the longevity of the entire piece.
