What have I inherited and how best to restore it?

[Inigo]

Maybe also helps tapping on that axis from the opposite side, so the arbor and spring hit the lid from inside and help extracting it. As always, be soft, small soft kicks with a soft hammer or wood block. Be ready to catch lid as it pops out.

[JerryVan]

Maybe also helps tapping on that axis from the opposite side, so the arbor and spring hit the lid from inside and help extracting it. As always, be soft, small soft kicks with a soft hammer or wood block. Be ready to catch lid as it pops out.

Excellent advice. I believe that this barrel may have a winding gear on the side that we can't see, however, which may complicate the axis/arbor tapping method.

[Marco Gilardetti]

You're doing a very good job.

The fact that the motor revolves is a very good sign. The "twang" and lack of resistance is quite a clear symptom of a broken spring, but in theory it could also be disengaged.

I also insist that you do not paint the bracket. It will not look "OK" anyway, and you will surely regret having done so on the mid-long run, and then getting rid of the paint from that finely chiseled part would be a nightmare. You can leave it like this if you prefer it showing its age, or disassemble the parts and have it re-nickeled. Personally I would have it re-nickeled because I like machines in pristine conditions, but you have cleaned it so well that I definitely think it is not an offense to the eye as it is, proudly showing its age.

[CarlosV]

I also insist that you do not paint the bracket. It will not look "OK" anyway, and you will surely regret having done so on the mid-long run, and then getting rid of the paint from that finely chiseled part would be a nightmare.

I agree with Marco's recommendation to leave it as is, the bracket does not look bad at all, actually it blends well with the rest of the machine. Concerning restorations, what I like is either a completely restored machine, head to toe, or one that shows its age with no altered parts, only cleaned and polished. Having restored parts that look like new in an otherwise original machine does not look good to me.

[jboger]

A general comment about conservation (I do not like the word "restoration"): I think it better to have an object look consistent with overall wear than "restore" a part of it by, for example, replating a tonearm. It gives the object an unnatural appearance. Years ago I bought a front-mount Victor E. The shellac was heavily worn where you might expect wear, i.e. around the speed control and brake. Some people would have refinished--another word I dislike--the case. I left it alone as it suits me just fine.

John

[JerryVan]

Thank you all so much!! for such informative and detailed replies. It put me in a mood to start immediately with the cleaning process.

I started with the horn. Wd40 worked a treat. I don’t think the photos do it justice just how much muck has come off..

I’m not a fan of the front ornament so I will try and remove it safely when I get to it. I can only assume it once replaced the original brand/logo.

I’ve a few bits to buy now thanks to your replies. A needle would be a good start! I’ll try and keep you all updated and there will definitely be questions ahead. Thanks again all.

Any further progress??