Django wrote:In the late 60s and early 70s there were a lot of people using the "antiquing treatment" on all kinds of antiques, (basically a weathered paint look). It is ironic that it was often used to "antique" genuine antique or collectible items, thereby making them less authentic or collectible.
The number is probably just a manufacturing identification. I like the New Bedford dealer tag. Lots of history there.
Since you asked, my answer would be no, the green and door pulls have to go.
I lived through that when I was a kid--Mom went through her "antiquing" phase, and a lot of furniture in our house (although nothing you'd call an "antique") sprouted that ghastly, uh, barf green treatment. I remember the process involved first painting a piece uniformly with one shade of green and then streaking it with a darker shade while wearing flimsy plastic gloves that came in the kit. Ugh! I hated it then, and I hate it now. I hope this was just a case of an original finish damaged beyond repair and not destruction of a good original finish. Either way, nothing to be done now but strip it down and refinish.
Well, actually, I can think of one other thing, if you're feeling bold and adventurous: didn't Victor offer fancy painted "Chinoiserie" finishes and such? A Victrola X is hardly a rare, high-value machine, so maybe this awful finish is just license to have some fun with it and, say, commission an artist to repaint it into a unique decorative piece instead of worrying about bringing it back to "authentic." Or even do it yourself, if you have the artistic skill (I certainly don't).
In all events, a big tip of the hat to your wife for (a) her negotiating skills and (b) her willingness to get you a new toy!