Can this dial be cleaned?

Internet Horology Club 185

This topic can be found at:
https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1086047761/m/9033909857

February 21, 2011, 16:15

Gary Stringer

Can this dial be cleaned?

I purchased an A Lincoln and the dial has this black residue that looks like coal dust. Is this a common problem on some dials or can it be cleaned? SN
3292702

February 21, 2011, 16:17

Gary Stringer

Another picture

February 21, 2011, 16:18

Gary Stringer

one more of the movement

February 21, 2011, 17:03

Dr. Debbie Irvine

Gary,

If you have a porcelain-enamel dial the Comet Bathroom cleaner works wonders.

In this topic "Porcelain-Enamel Dial Cleaning" Lindell explains his methods and there is plenty of advice from other IHC Members as well. However, your number 3292702 would indicate you have a 12-size, 21-Jewel Illinois A. Lincoln from 1918 production which may have a painted metal dial. If that is the situation there are additional precautions, a heavily damaged metal dial can be quite a project and may have to be refinished.

Debbie

February 21, 2011, 17:11

Roland Glenn

That's right. Porcelain dials come up very nicely with Comet and a little soaking, but metal dials are very different and very delicate.

I have used dish soap and a gentle touch and have had good results, but I've also had absolute disasters where the numbers have rubbed right off.

So like Debbie suggests, a refinish might be the only way to bring back that roaring 20's look.

Roland

February 21, 2011, 17:22

Gary Stringer

Thanks, it likely is a painted metal dial. It just looks so strange with being almost clear in the center that I was not sure what had happened to it.

February 21, 2011, 17:38

C. Keith Johnson

If your dial is metal chances are the cost to refinish would be close to the cost of a replacement if you could locate one.
Run a search on "International Dial" located in Wilmington, Ohio and you will get some information....Keith