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Restoration of a Street Musical Organ (water gilding)

Project by goldenhands posted 299 days ago 437 views 2 times favorited 10 comments Add to Favorites Watch

He are is one of 33 wooden carved elements from a front of a German Street Musical Organ. Made in Black forest region in 1903. If any one has done any water gilding before knows it is a realy time consuming project. So, do not be surprised when I say that I am on my 4th year doing this thing. Well, yes doing it all alone. The black bole does give more complexity to the project.
Here is the photo before the treatment has been aplyed.
Now, the element – before restoration just after the cleaning the bronze and aluminuim paint. The whole front has been painted with bronze and aluminium paint over the damaged gilding and silvered surface.
The element after the restoration. It took me 285 hours just to do this one.

-- The way I work - the way I live. goldenhands


10 comments so far

View TwistedRedneck's profile

TwistedRedneck

19 posts in 370 days


posted 299 days ago

Wow, I would give my left nut for something like that. Sweet. The restoration looks like it is on the right track but that is a hell of a project to tackle. It would probably take me longer though because I would probably get bored. One of those projects that you do a little at a time in between other projects.

-- "Love is like standing on wet cement, the longer you stay the harder it is to leave...and you can never go without leaving your prints behind..."

View kewald's profile

kewald

122 posts in 460 days


posted 299 days ago

I’m strictly an amateur gilder. That is awesome work – takes lots of patience and practice.

-- Always do the Right Thing the Right Way the First Time - if you can figure out what that is! Ken, Spring Branch, TX

View John Gray's profile

John Gray

1723 posts in 764 days


posted 299 days ago

Great job!!!! Of particular interest because I just did a gold leaf job, THANKS!!!

-- Only the Shadow knows....................

View Thos. Angle's profile

Thos. Angle

4015 posts in 841 days


posted 299 days ago

At that rate, this will be one of the most expensive restorations in the world. That is some of the finest gilding I’ve ever seen. Onward!!!!

-- Thos. Angle

View goldenhands's profile

goldenhands

97 posts in 418 days


posted 299 days ago

Thank you,
Well must admit it does cost an arm with a leg and a bit more.
But it is a unique piece so it’s worth it.
I did get bored a few times already but the good thing now is I can see the end of it.
Trying to reach it in this or following year.
May do a blog if some one is interested.

-- The way I work - the way I live. goldenhands

View Chris Cunanan's profile

Chris Cunanan

213 posts in 359 days


posted 299 days ago

of course people are interested! blog it up, pleasee….i’ve never heard much mention of gilding except for recently on that david marks video that marc (the wood whisperer) posted. That is some amazing work my friend, i admire that kind of patience

View Chips's profile

Chips

55 posts in 591 days


posted 299 days ago

Please do the blog. I love the finished element.

-- Make every day the best day of your life. Chips, Mississippi

View mmh's profile

mmh

1366 posts in 601 days


posted 299 days ago

Wow! What a fantastic project. It will be gorgeous once again when you are finished.

-- "They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night." ~ Edgar Allan Poe

View dennis mitchell's profile

dennis mitchell

3785 posts in 1193 days


posted 299 days ago

Very interesting project. I’d love to see a blog. I admire your dedication.

-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com

View goldenhands's profile

goldenhands

97 posts in 418 days


posted 298 days ago

Hi, thank you for the comments.

The blog is out now take a look, quite big though.

-- The way I work - the way I live. goldenhands

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