Restoration advice.

[Benjamin_L]

I'm restoring a Model XVI Silvertone, and most of the decorative molding on the doors and sides are missing. (With some of the other decorative wood.) Does anybody have an idea how to replace this?

Also the grill is in pretty rough shape, should I just try wood gluing it back together, or just get a new one? (I Have some of the pieces that are missing.)

Any advice would be much appreciated, thanks.

[JerryVan]

Benjamin,

I don't want to discourage you. However, that machine is not of much value. While it's possible to do all the things you need to do for it, just be aware that your efforts will be more valuable for the experience you will gain and for the satisfaction of having saved a piece of history, but not for any real dollar amount. Not saying that it has to be about the money, it's more fun when it isn't. Just want you to be aware.

[emerson]

Really nice Silvertone model---I had 2, still have 1 and the gentleman that has the other might still have it----maybe for parts? He moved up to North Jersey. I'll get his number for you---don't know if it is still good. Don't look at phonographs as an investment---most prices have dropped and without "new blood" not that many to care about them----today is the computer age, push buttons and touch screens ----not cranks. Just gave a quick look---no number yet

[emerson]

E-mailed the gentleman (parts machine?) with the info---no reply as of yet---How many Silvertone machines do you have? Have you posted pictures of your collection---do you collect Silvertone records and related items? I have 2---the one like yours and maybe my first crank-up , a Silvertone Console (on a Silvertone record sleeve, with the machine--we both have, and a third model), thing is when I found it in an antique shop---it was and still is missing the horn and record shelves? ---Herb

[ambrola]

I still have a special place in my heart for my first Phonograph. It is a Victor XVII which I still own today. I will never let it go. That's been 24 years ago. I have sold 100's of Phonographs, and some rare ones also that I should have my ass kicked for selling, but money has always been my problem. But the 17 will always be here. Time flies after you turn 40?

[Benjamin_L]

E-mailed the gentleman (parts machine?) with the info---no reply as of yet---How many Silvertone machines do you have? Have you posted pictures of your collection---do you collect Silvertone records and related items? I have 2---the one like yours and maybe my first crank-up , a Silvertone Console (on a Silvertone record sleeve, with the machine--we both have, and a third model), thing is when I found it in an antique shop---it was and still is missing the horn and record shelves? ---Herb

Currently I have three, Herb. I'm a big Silvertone fan and collect the earlier stuff. I have the one shown which i'm just restoring for some cousins of mine, then I have my pride a 1919 Model IX Silvertone. (It's going to take me awhile to restore the one i'm working on because I'm having a lot of trouble with the trim, on the doors and sides.) But Silvertone is my favorite phonograph brand. Did you have to replace the trim on yours?

[emerson]

Ben, The gentleman I am trying to contact, I believe has a good grill and trim. I am trying to find his phone number---has not replied to my Email. ---Herb

[a12548]

If that was my machine, since it is indeed a low value machine, before any repairs, I would clean it up first, and maybe use Citrustrip if needed,which will give you a good look at all the imperfections. Sand out any scrapes and dings. The grill, it would be far fetched to find that exact grill as a part, the alternative would be to remove it, trace it and cut a new one on a scroll saw and experiment with mixing stains to match it up to the newly cleaned finish. Gluing fragile pieces on a grill is risky. As for the other missing pieces...I would not mess with it. Let it represent battle scars from its survival.
But basically, if its cleaned up and grill replaced, and you have the motor spruced up, it can look really good.

[emerson]

Ben, I sent a "pm" you with the phone number of the gentleman with the Silvertone parts---did you receive it? --Herb