8/79 Cartel by L'Epee Serial No. 38769 Circa 1872
Purchased via online auction in August 2021
Good mechanism In a plain box with no decoration but in good condition. Just needs a good clean and polish.
Eight classic tunes and lovely arrangements with superb melodies.
Good mechanism In a plain box with no decoration but in good condition. Just needs a good clean and polish.
Eight classic tunes and lovely arrangements with superb melodies.
6th September 2023
After a bit of a delay due to more urgent projects, I've started to clean this mechanism.
After a bit of a delay due to more urgent projects, I've started to clean this mechanism.
Removing the spring from the barrel is always tricky and somewhat dangerous if not handled with care. A special winder jig is a great help.
8th September
All parts cleaned ready for polishing
All parts cleaned ready for polishing
9th September - A lot of cleaning and polishing today
Second stage steel - 400 grit abrasive when in pillar held Dremel
Second stage brass - using ammonia based Wrights Brass Polish
Second stage steel - 400 grit abrasive when in pillar held Dremel
Second stage brass - using ammonia based Wrights Brass Polish
17th September
Pin straightening and reassembly
Pin straightening and reassembly
25th September
Final assembly and testing.
Final assembly and testing.
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Home Sweet Home
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Annie Lawrie
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Case restoration
The case has had a woodworm infestation, but not too bad.
After initial cleaning and sanding, the holes are filled with wax then cleaned off with a plastic squeegee before a final sanding and re polishing. All four sides of the box and the edges of the lid were retained using Van Dyke stain. This is a natural stain made from walnut husks and can be watered down to give the best match. I've deliberately not stained the centre of the lid as I wanted to highlight the stringing and central grain markings.
The case has had a woodworm infestation, but not too bad.
After initial cleaning and sanding, the holes are filled with wax then cleaned off with a plastic squeegee before a final sanding and re polishing. All four sides of the box and the edges of the lid were retained using Van Dyke stain. This is a natural stain made from walnut husks and can be watered down to give the best match. I've deliberately not stained the centre of the lid as I wanted to highlight the stringing and central grain markings.
Finished.
