Lacquer

American Watchmaker and Jeweler (1892)

The ordinary lacquer of commerce is composed of spirits of wine and clear shellac in the proportion of 1 OZ. of shellac to a pint of spirit. Heat should not be applied, but the ingredients placed in a glass stoppered bottle and shaken from time to time until the shellac is thoroughly dissolved or combined with the spirit. Various tints may be given lacquer by adding small quantities of aniline colors, previously well mixed with water and free from lumps. LANGE, ADOLPH. Adolph Lange was born in Dresden, in 1815, and was apprenticed to a watchmaker of that place. At the expiration of his apprenticeship he went to Paris to perfect himself in the higher branches of horology. He became the foreman in the celebrated workshop of Winnerl. He later returned to Dresden, where he became the partner of his former master. He devoted himself to the manufacture of astronomical clocks, chronometers and fine watches, and soon secured for himself an enviable reputation. About this time the government of Saxony was in search of some means of bettering the condition of the inhabitants of the mountainous districts of Saxony. The condition of these people was most pitiable, as for generations they had lived there in extreme poverty. Mr. Lange was confident that if the art of watchmaking was introduced into this region the desired result might be achieved. The government looked favorably on his proposition, and in 1845 he, with the assistance of the State, established a watchmaker's school at Glashutte. The populace did not take kindly to the idea, and it was very up-hill work for awhile; but his efforts were finally crowned with success. He taught the youths of the village the art of watchmaking and installed them in his workshop. In less than two years the first watches were marketed, and the success of the enterprise assured. In time his pupils became teachers, and gradually, but surely, the art of horology gained a foothold, until now nearly the entire population of Glashutte are engaged in horological and kindred pursuits. He died Dec. 5, 1875, leaving two sons, Richard and Emile, who are still engaged in manufacturing fine watches, chronometers and clocks of precision, in Glashutte.