1904 Shelf Clock Finish

[bcossa2001]

Just inherited a gorgeous 1904 shelf clock. Wood finish looks to be in good shape. Can anyone advise what to do, if anything, to protect the finish?

I have another old clock that the finish is dry/ crazed and not sure what to with it.

Been reading about paste wax, lemon oil, polycrilic, polyurethane, keep out of the sun don't use pledge,etc. The only thing that has made sense so far is keeping it out of the sun....
Thanks in advance...

 

[spasm3]

Its made it this far. Keep it clean, dry and out of the sun. For the one with the bad finish, is if valuable? Removing a finish or patina can ruin the value. It its not valuable then consider a refinish if its what you want. You can use denatured alcohol on an inconspicuous spot and see if that removes the finish, if it does, its shellac, otherwise it may be laquer.

 

[maxdustington]

Renwax.

 

[PimTac]

Don't do anything. Perhaps have it appraised. Applying any kind of finish may ruin the value.

 

[Oildudeny]

if you like have it appraised, you could always use a dry dusting cloth just to get any surface dust off. these dusting cloths are treated with a light mineral oil and will not damage the original finish. just get any surface dust off the dust could scratch the finish and can hold moisture.
treated dusting cloth