The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Amberola wrote: Do you suppose the old banner turned red? It is the one that has been on it since the beginning. I can see no clues it has ever had a refinish?

The attachment DSC_0007.JPG is no longer available

I think you're a little confused, Ronnie. The LETTERING on the early banners was red. Your Home A is the third iteration of the Home: first of the decals with black lettering.

Here's the first type: Here's the second type: Yours is the third type.

George P.

I think what has me confused is the decal has turned red. The lettering is black? Does that make any sense?

Would the correct decal be the Gold Banner with Black Lettering? It is a green case although you can't see it except inside the lid. I wish I would have kept this one I had many years ago. It was a one owner.

Amberola wrote:I think what has me confused is the decal has turned red. The lettering is black? Does that make any sense?

Your decal has not turned red. The finish has simply darkened, and the gold foil decal behind it has accentuated the red in the finish and the decal. The lettering is black. It makes sense. It's the third style Home. Here's an example of the same decal on a Model B:
The machine above is a Model B Home, but your Model A uses the same decal. It originally looked like this one.

Amberola wrote:Would the correct decal be the Gold Banner with Black Lettering?

Yes. Just like the one in the photo above. Martin will hopefully be able to make it look much the same.

George P.

"Amberola",

Aside from the lettering itself, you can easily tell that the banner portion of your decal looks very different from the banner in the red letter decals. It's definitely a black lettered banner of the later style. I think that also agrees with it's being the green tinted finish.

I'll also add that it's too good to refinish.

Thanks George for the pictures. That helps a lot. I agree it don't need a complete refinish. We will see? And thanks Jerry for your thoughts on this one. You guys have made me change my mind.

You're very welcome.

Good luck with the restoration - - you're in good hands with Martin. He has achieved some outstanding results in the past.

George P.

phonogfp wrote:Martin will hopefully be able to make it look much the same.

Keepin' my fingers crossed. (Also my legs, arms & eyes...)

Martin

I bought it off eBay for 290.00 I think. The H reproducer that was in it is very loud and clear so that is a good sign. It also didn't need and mechanical work besides the usual oiling.

phonogfp wrote:You're very welcome.

Good luck with the restoration - - you're in good hands with Martin. He has achieved some outstanding results in the past.

George P.

I was very impressed with Martins early model A he finished. That green tint is hard to achieve and he has a special talent we all wish we had. I would love to see more restoration work shown on the forum. We all attempt to refinish rough machines and hardly anyone ever documents them, myself included. I have gotten good results and horrible results.