Orthophonic Two-Fifty-Five turntable mat

[Guest]

I recently picked up a portable Orthophonic Victrola, model Two-Fifty-Five.

It is in very good condition. However, the leatherette turntable mat is curled up around the edge. (In order to play records on this machine, I must put carboard shims between the record and turntable so the record will lay flat.)

I would like to fix this problem. Because the leatherette material has hardened/plasticized I cannot not flatten it without cracking/breaking it. I was thinking about gently warming the material with a heat gun in hopes that it would temporarily soften enough so I could flatten and re-glue it to the edge of the turntable.

Does anyone have a good remedy for this problem? Has anyone tried the method that I have suggested above?

Thank you.

EJ in Minneapolis