1930s Cecilian Comrade Portable Phonograph Restoration

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pellicano1
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1930s Cecilian Comrade Portable Phonograph Restoration

Post by pellicano1 »

Just wanted to share my recent complete restoration of my 1930s Cecilian Comrade portable! Very happy with the overal results!

I used a product called Angelus Leather paint (Autumn Red) for the case. I tried cleaning and conditioning the leather but the dirt was too ground into the leather! I also completely cleaned and re greased / oiled the motor. Governor springs were too large so I replaced those! It was a bugger adjusting the governor but she is purring like a kitten now! The tone arm was a sawed off Victor with a destroyed pot metal reproducer. Replaced with a nice Toman setup! The reproducer came in and the innards were like new and original (gaskets, alum diaphragm).

Before and after photos shown below! It was a really fun project! Acquired it for $35 (ship incl).

HEre she is in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rbdo_2s ... dex=5&t=0s

Thanks.
Steve
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Marco Gilardetti
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Re: 1930s Cecilian Comrade Portable Phonograph Restoration

Post by Marco Gilardetti »

Congrats, you did a very good job, although at least for my taste the fabrikoid was still in passable conditions. Enjoy it!

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pellicano1
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Re: 1930s Cecilian Comrade Portable Phonograph Restoration

Post by pellicano1 »

Marco Gilardetti wrote:Congrats, you did a very good job, although at least for my taste the fabrikoid was still in passable conditions. Enjoy it!
Thank you.
I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.
Thomas A. Edison

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Lucius1958
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Re: 1930s Cecilian Comrade Portable Phonograph Restoration

Post by Lucius1958 »

This restoration sets me to wondering: is there anyone making reproduction Fabrikoid?

My Edison P-1 has lost all the texture, and much of the color, on its exterior, as well as having a tear on the lid. It would be nice to be able to bring it back closer to its original appearance, even though it might hurt its future value.

Bill

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