The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I recently purchased a nice 2&4 minute Edison Standard B that I plan to resell. The paint and striping on the deck are nice. The finish is original and presentable. The only slightly weak feature is the decal. Does anyone have experience replacing the decal without refinishing the cabinet? A machine in only original once. Should the decal be replaced? What is your opinion about replacing the "Edison" decal with a banner decal? Thanks

Please read the PM I sent.

Jerry,

I don't think the weak decal really detracts from the all orig. machine. Just my opinion!

Mike Sorter

I appreciate your opinion and hope for more. Jerry

While a banner decal may look nice, by the time you get the new decal and apply it, etc. will your time investment equal that much more of a selling price for you? I didn't read the part about putting the banner decal on the first time around....

Mike

I agree with Mike that the weak decal doesn't really bother me either. The rest of the machine looks nice.

That said, if you or the future owner of this machine just can't abide the decal, I would definitely NOT replace it with a banner decal. Each time someone does that, it destroys a bit of historical fact. That Standard, serial number ________ was originally supplied with a small script decal (unless of course someone changed the cabinet! ) When someone like Martin researches when certain traits disappeared and appeared, it's helpful to be dealing with originality, regardless of condition. Okay - I'll get down from my soapbox...

If the owner really wants that decal to look better, I'd suggest restoring it. This should not be attempted by anyone lacking a steady hand or an eye for color, but if a collector has some basic artistic skill, he/she should be able to touch up a bad decal with a few good brushes, appropriate paint, and even a Sharpie or two for lettering & lines. That simple Edison decal would be an easy one.

Here are a few examples of decals I've restored over the years, and I'm no artist!

George P.

Why would you put a banner decal on this? To make it pretty & more saleable? Seems wrong to me.

The decal isn't all that bad, and replacing it with a banner decal would just be fakery- and incorrect as well

A potential buyer asked about replacing the decal and if it were replaced, why not apply a banner decal. It's an open discussion and I appreciate the opinions. I'm also amazed by George's restoration of original decals. There are many ways to muddy the historical significance of any machine. I wonder how many of us have replaced a Victor back bracket for one in better condition and didn't notice that one had blue highlights and the other didn't. How many of us have built machines from parts? How many think it's just a Standard? I appreciate the discussion. Jerry

Jerry, yourself a long time collector/dealer. You have me curious to read your own opinion on your question??? .