Calling our refinishers--how far gone is too far gone?

[VanEpsFan1914]

Dear TMF People:

I'm in the process of thinning the herd. It's going great. Lots more space, but I've got time to put into a GOOD restoration.

Anyway, two years ago I bought a little Edison Standard A from the Trader. It's really cool--has a 14" horn & a rebuilt reproducer. I ran out of room & when I put in a Standard Model E, the Model A had to go--so some friendly local antiques dealers put it in their shop with a price tag.

Through a Snafu of legendary proportions the Standard made it back to my room and is currently sitting here on the bed so I can look at the "patina" while browsing on my laptop. No, the dealers didn't trash it. It's just old. Fifty years in a basement full of coal dust kind of old.

Usually I'd leave it be, but the green finish is fighting with brown. The ends of the lid are separating, so that the "breadbox" ends are wobbling. There is some chipped veneer on the top. On the cabinet itself, the finger-jointed edges are loosening up & becoming very creaky indeed, as they ought to when the daylight starts showing through. Over the banner decal the varnish has darkened somewhat--while it is still striking, it shows every one of its 115 years of existence.

On the bedplate the ancient asphaltum is full of rust holes. Nickel plated parts are shiny but only where the corrosion hasn't eaten them alive. The brakes are weak, the shaver is missing, decals are faded shadows with a daub of goldy mud in the bottom. The silver has worn off the data plate entirely.

Forumers, refinishers, lend me your ears--should I refinish this old thing or leave it? I have been practicing (thank you Martin for sending me an enormously long PM about what to do with my next restorations, after you bought my Model E Standard & experienced my amateuring firsthand. Tried the tips on my 1909 Fireside and it turned out a showpiece.) and with the practice, I think I can restore the Model A. But I hate to tear up the all-important originality. The awe I feel looking at it isn't the "My, what craftsmanship!" I feel when looking at my near-mint Victor III. Rather, it's "Whoa, Edison built 'em to take a beating--" and, yes, the Model A still cranks up and plays loud and clear.

Then again, Thomas Edison's company would have never turned out a machine this rough originally. Should I leave the evidence of a ravaging history, or give it some good new history?

[Phono-Phan]

Pictures would help a lot. But, my preference is for an old original in any condition versus one that has been stripped, refinished, re-painted, re-plated, etc... There are those that maybe just want one for decorating and want it looking new. Just my 2 cents.
Ken

[Jerry B.]

For opinions a photo would really help.

I would like to think that I only refinish when it's absolutely necessary. Of course, that is a matter of opinion. The biggest compliment that I've received is when a potential buyer asks if the finish is original or refinished. That is my goal. If you go down the refinish route don't skimp in the decal and hope for the best. A poor quality decal can be spotted from across a room. Many times cabinet repairs can be made without affecting the finish.

Jerry Blais

[gramophone-georg]

What Jerry B. said, plus- what are your plans for it?

1. Sell it?
2, Enjoy it awhile then sell it?
3. Keep it?

If 1, make sure it runs/ plays correctly then put it up as- is.
If 2, Clean it, and do the glue repairs on the lid, along with doing the minimum to make the rough spots look better.
If 3, do it the way you want it and don't look back.

Lately things have changed so much in the phono market that I don't know that restoration work is worth it as it doesn't really seem to add ANY value to "common" machines these days.

[AZ*]

I agree with the other replies to your question. I am a collector, not a dealer, so I only purchase machines I want in my collection. My preference is original, non-refinished machines. Most refinished machines look obviously refinished. The only refinished machines in my collection are basket-case machines I've refinished myself.

When I see a refinished machine for sale at a phono show, I walk away.