A21 Orreries 2005 Condition Assessment Summary.docx

Summary of 2005 Condition Assessment for Pair of Grand Orreries (VAMA 698, VAMA 699)

Current Conditions Structural Overall unstable condition. The cylindrical pedestal bases that have historically been used to display the Orreries have stressed the oak bottom panels due to the weight load being transferred from the feet to these panels. This in turn has caused the panels to warp and bend the brass mechanism inside and stress the joints of the frames to the point of loosening the mahogany wood frame. This situation has been compounded by seasonal shrinkage and expansion of the wood structural members due to humidity. Visual inspection of the structural components showed:

· Various foot blocking is loose and separating from the feet and base; some is missing.

· The mitered corners of the frames containing the glass panels have separated.

· The circular oak panels on the interior of the objects that hold the brass mechanism have separated at their glue joints and are loosening where they attach to the surrounding mahogany frame.

· The circular oak panels have also begun to warp or cup upward in the center.

· The mahogany fascia surrounding the drum is checked and split.

· The glazing holding the glass panels in place is loosening and beginning to fall out.

· Checks and splits are appearing in the feet and the molding adjacent to the feet.

Surface

· Some components of the mahogany case while not structural in nature are delaminating.

Glass

· Five glass panels are missing from Orrery 698.

· One glass panel is missing from Orrery 699.

· The glazing for these glass panels is loose, lifting and missing in some areas of both objects.

Metals

· Five to six of the zodiacal gilt brass mounts are missing (some are in storage).

· Various other mounts have areas that are split or broken.

· The brass hemisphere, annuli, meridian and works all have various screws missing and are very loose in some areas.

· Repeated cleaning and UV light exposure has faded the dark coloring (possibly a type of ink or dark filler) in the stampings of the brass meridian making it difficult to read.

· The exterior brass elements as well as the gilt brass mounts are tarnished and correded.

· Some of the planets are missing and their attendant brass support rods or tubes are bent.

· The interiors of the Orreries contain dust and dirt, which covers the entire mechanism, especially 699.

Bone

· The ivory planets appear to be in sound condition with surface grime and discoloration.

Paper

· The paper laminate on the earth globe of Orrery 699 appears to be in sound condition with no visible cleavage or cracks. Closer inspection when the brass hemisphere is removed should be made. The surface of this paper is very dirty.

Wood Finish

· The finish on the mahogany components has darkened and even black in some areas. The translucency of the finish is almost non-existent, making their aesthetic appearance poor. Dirt, UV light, wax and possibly oil polish have degraded the finish.

Previous Repairs & Restorations

· Some type of baling wire has been attached to VAMA 698 in order to stabilize the delaminating frame members.

· Some glass panels, zodiacal and brass mounts, and planetary components have been removed and placed in storage.

· The wood finish has been over-coated and/or oiled and wax polished.

· Attempts have been made to replace and paint sections of the glazing.

Recommended Treatment Procedures

1. Fabricate a solid, dimensionally stable platform that can rest on the pedestal base and provide support, properly transferring the weight of the orreries to their foot blockings.

2. Stabilize all structural components and complete clean both internal and external parts. The will required disassembly of the objects, with the exception of the mechanism or works.

a. Disassemble wood frames, metal mounts, and hemisphere, remove glass and relative attachments to the mechanism.

b. Re-glue/repair opening in oak platforms.

c. Re-glue loose joints, splits, and checks in wood members.

d. Replace and/or repair missing loose, or broken glue blocks and structural components.

e. Vacuum mechanism with screened vacuum for heavy dirt.

f. Spot test metal surfaces for the appropriate cleaner and clean surfaces.

g. Spot test ivory surfaces for appropriate cleaner and clean surfaces.

h. Spot test wood surfaces for appropriate cleaner and clean all wood surfaces. Check for mold or mildew.

i. Re-assemble wood and metal components. Tighten loose and replace missing screws.

3. Replacement and restoration of the missing components and decorative elements, including glass, planets, and their supports, brass and gilt mounts. NOTE: WE NEED TO IDENTIFY HOW MANY PARTS WE HAVE AND HOW MANY NEED TO BE MADE

a. Replace missing glass and re-install loose glass and re-glaze as needed.

b. Fabricate missing planets and support members, brass mounts, gilded brass mounts.

c. Fabricate or patch any losses to wood components.

4. Restoration of the finishes. This consists primarily of treatment to the wooded show surfaces as the other surface restoration treatments are a part of their cleaning.

a. Remove overcoats of grime, topcoats, oil, etc. to the wood surfaces.

b. Touch in color as needed.

c. Pad thin coats of shellac until appropriate surface texture and sheen is achieved.

d. Touch in color to the stampings in the brass meridian.

e. Wax with microcrystalline paste wax.

5. Arrange for inspection of the mechanism by a qualified conservator of historic scientific instruments to determine what, if any, restoration work to the mechanism is needed.