The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

The use of sandpaper is really hazardous. There is a really high chance that you will sand through the finish on any edge or curved surface. You might get away with it on a broad flat area but even then it would be difficult. I revisited the photo of the Vic IV and the photo was directed at the scalloped area on the base that showed some crazing. A surface like that would be very difficult to successfully sand without going through the finish. I use Kotton Klenser or pumice free Go-Jo with 0000 steel wool and am very careful on edges and curved surfaces. That's my best suggestion. Jerry Blais

Just my two cents, for what it's worth... and that may not be much.

This is a subject that will probably be debated until the end of time as it can be a very polarizing topic... though not nearly as much as the topic of refinishing.

I have actually come to appreciate the appearance of an alligatored finish as it allows me to honor the phonograph's living history, and as such, I prefer to simply conserve the existing finish with a good cleaning and protecting.

That said, as not everyone shares the same view, there is always the possibility of re-amalgamating the existing finish. However, if the alligatoring has gotten to the point where it is badly flaking, simple re-amalgamation may not be enough to allow the existing finish to reflow into a satisfactorily smooth surface... in which case, you may wish to apply a few coats to shellac to level things out.

You can always test a small, hidden area to see how well the finish may re-amalgamate, and whether or not you have the patience to do so on the entire piece.

I would leave it alone. The finish looks great for a 100+ year old machine. I've seen re-amalgamation gone bad and I would take alligatored over that any time. Re-amalgamation can work ok on level surfaces, but everything with a curve or at an angle will most like run off and look ugly. There is no going back to original.

Andreas

Add my vote for leaving it alone. It looks fine - there's nothing there to apologize for.

George P.

For some reason I didn't notice the pic before responding previously. After having seen the picture, definitely, leave it alone. It's perfect imho.

I also recommend leaving it alone. Too risky that the finish gets messed up. I also think it looks great as is.

I would like to add one thing.....to the members that offered "their" advice and ideas on "finish" restoring tips. I hope you all realized and fully understood the machine in question (in this case a Victor IV) is not a cheap nor easy machine to find. A machine that is worth good money and not a common upright or table top model.

Bruce said it best... "I didn't notice the pic before responding previously".

I would feel sick (as anyone)if a member were to "rush" out and start something "recommended" that could not only ruin a machine but also his investment.

Leo, since no one has asked......can we all see the "whole" machine??. Vic. 4's are my favorite and I for one would love to see it.

I also did not see the link for a photograph, (I guess like many others, I get used to seeing photos embedded in the post), and as I mentioned in my previous post, I rather prefer the alligatored finish as it pays homage to the piece's history.

gramophone78 wrote:I would like to add one thing.....to the members that offered "their" advice and ideas on "finish" restoring tips. I hope you all realized and fully understood the machine in question (in this case a Victor IV) is not a cheap nor easy machine to find. A machine that is worth good money and not a common upright or table top model.

Bruce said it best... "I didn't notice the pic before responding previously".

I would feel sick (as anyone)if a member were to "rush" out and start something "recommended" that could not only ruin a machine but also his investment.

Leo, since no one has asked......can we all see the "whole" machine??. Vic. 4's are my favorite and I for one would love to see it.

it wasn't cheap indeed but I much prefer the machine over the money.
I will take some outdoors pictures tomorrow as I can't do anything good with indoors light.

and for all other members, thank you very much for your highly valued opinion; I will leave it alone.

I took the pictures indoors finally, with some sketchy lighting solution but it worked somewhat ok...
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JKXh ... G_1686.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JX48 ... G_1684.JPG
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGODIb4v7-M[/youtube]