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Dials - What About Cracks on the Back? "Click" to Login or Register 
Marty Bell
IHC Member
posted
I'm thinking of buying a nice Elgin Monty Canadian dial-but I noticed some cracks around two of the feet. Small,maybe 1/4 inch radiating out from the foot; three each maybe.
Sorry-pic's are too big.
Are these a dangerous sign? All looks well on the front;I've never seen this befor. Thanks-


Marty


 
Posts: 506 | Registered: October 26, 2007
Marty Bell
IHC Member
posted
Front-


Marty


 
Posts: 506 | Registered: October 26, 2007
David Abbe
IHC Life Member
Picture of David Abbe
posted
Those "cracks" ara a very normal effect of the multiple firings these dials have in their finishing process. They are caused by backside porcelain shrinkages and do not "telegraph" to the dial face.
 
Posts: 6492 | Location: Southern California in the USA | Registered: July 19, 2007
Marty Bell
IHC Member
posted
Thanks,Dave-I knew the front was OK-but the defects on the back had me worried-I thought maybe someone had gotten out the crowbar again.
It's always hard the first time you see something like that-especially when you WANT it to be nice. I can be real good at convincing myself everything is A-OK...I had to pull on the reins real hard when I first looked at this!
She is a beauty though-and belongs on a poor Veritas with no face.


Marty
 
Posts: 506 | Registered: October 26, 2007
David Abbe
IHC Life Member
Picture of David Abbe
posted
It should be "picture perfect" on your Veritas! Cool

 
Posts: 6492 | Location: Southern California in the USA | Registered: July 19, 2007
Marty Bell
IHC Member
posted
Big Grin Very nice! Dave, can you give me a guesstimate on an Elgin 18s/Monty/Canadian dial? I have NEVER seen one on ebay or for sale anywhere-and feel lucky as can be to get my itchy hands on one-in this condition,too.
I paid $250 and feel good about it,even an Elgin 18s/DS can get $125-150 nowadays...a Monty up to $200...
What do you say-anyone-?


Marty
 
Posts: 506 | Registered: October 26, 2007
Lindell V. Riddle
IHC President
Life Member
Picture of Lindell V. Riddle
posted

Marty,

I agree with Dave's excellent explanation.

One additional point, remember there is a heavy layer of copper between what you see on the back and the finished front of these dials. For that reason there is no actual relationship between the two sides. My impression is they paid little or no attention to appearance on the back of porcelain-enamel dials.

In the image below you see the front and back of the same Single-Sunk Elgin dial. Notice the numerous irregularities on the back is in stark contrast to the nearly flawless appearance we see on the front. By the way, this dial will soon be in our IHC185 Auctions Smile starting at $9.99 and no reserve.

Lindell


Close comparison showing front and back of the same dial...

 
Posts: 10553 | Location: Northeastern Ohio in the USA | Registered: November 19, 2002
Marty Bell
IHC Member
posted
Thanks Lindell- I always appreciate the story in full-between you and Dave there are no "cracks" left to fill. Sorry, couldn't resist! Smile


Marty
 
Posts: 506 | Registered: October 26, 2007
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