Dials - What About Cracks on the Back?

Internet Horology Club 185

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https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1086047761/m/5691095913

August 24, 2008, 22:51

Marty Bell

Dials - What About Cracks on the Back?

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-

August 24, 2008, 23:01

Marty Bell

Front-

August 24, 2008, 23:58

David Abbe

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.

August 25, 2008, 00:06

Marty Bell

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.

August 25, 2008, 12:29

David Abbe

It should be "picture perfect" on your Veritas!

August 25, 2008, 14:03

Marty Bell

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-?

August 25, 2008, 15:53

Lindell V. Riddle

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 starting at $9.99 and no reserve.

Lindell

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

August 25, 2008, 19:15

Marty Bell

Thanks Lindell- I always appreciate the story in full-between you and Dave there are no "cracks" left to fill. Sorry, couldn't resist!