The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

It's another handsome restoration, and if your motor rebuilds are up to their usual I am sure it runs as nicely as it looks.

I wish I could do something similar with my mahogany XIV; it's rather shabby-looking with the grain filler missing in patches and the rest rather dinged up. This walnut XVII is incredible--it could be stared at for hours.

I am very impressed and envious of your skills. Bringing back a valuable antique must give you a tremendous sense of satisfaction. I have tried to restore antiques. My efforts always have a slight error that others don't notice, but those slight errors are the first thing my eye goes to and it discourages me from making further attempts. I can repair the motors and re-glue loose veneer, but I have learned to stay away from the kind of work that you do. Congratulations!

If you have a chance, please post a close-up of a veneer patched area.
I'd like to see how you blended it in.

Thanks,
James.

great work

I have decided that I am keeping this Walnut Victrola for my personal use. I don't really have a Victrola collection even though I do currently have (1) 18, (3) 17s, (1) 16 L door, (1) 16 regular door, (2) XI's regular (2) XI's table top (early models without feet). I was playing records on it last night with my 6 year old grand daughter and showing her how to use it, she was really excited and enjoyed cranking it. its a thrill to bring these old phonographs back to life and introduce them to the newest generation.

Here is a picture of the Walnut 17 with the felt added to the turntable platter. Notice that i polish each and every screw head before re-assembly. Also, on the carvings, I take extra care to remove the existing finish so they are not darker then the rest of the finish. I also have the motor in A+ condition, sand blasted frame & polished gears.

Jonsheff wrote:I have decided that I am keeping this Walnut Victrola for my personal use.

Aha! I knew we'd get you hooked sooner or later!

Roaring20s wrote:If you have a chance, please post a close-up of a veneer patched area.
I'd like to see how you blended it in.

Thanks,
James.

Hello James,
the most visible patch was on the front side of the lid, as you can see the patch is not perfect but unless you are looking for it, it isn't really noticeable. There are other patches on the doors but those blended so well, you cant really see them.

Phono-Phan wrote:I really like the lighter finish. The grain looks awesome. I have an American Walnut XVII in a darker finish. I wonder if the lighter finish was originally offered.

I color matched to the underside of the lid so the shade is close. I used a bright light to photograph and it does look darker with regular light. Also, these do darken with age so perhaps yours was a little lighter when it was new, no way to really know.

Jonsheff wrote:

Roaring20s wrote:If you have a chance, please post a close-up of a veneer patched area.
I'd like to see how you blended it in.

Thanks,
James.

Hello James,
the most visible patch was on the front side of the lid, as you can see the patch is not perfect but unless you are looking for it, it isn't really noticeable. There are other patches on the doors but those blended so well, you cant really see them.

veneerpatch.jpg

It looks like you matched the grain nicely. You seem to be developing a pretty large non-collection. "I've been smoking five cigars a day for 45 years. Never got the habit" (colonel Potter to Radar on MASH).

Jonsheff wrote:

Roaring20s wrote:If you have a chance, please post a close-up of a veneer patched area.
I'd like to see how you blended it in.
Thanks,
James.

Hello James,
the most visible patch was on the front side of the lid, as you can see the patch is not perfect but unless you are looking for it, it isn't really noticeable. There are other patches on the doors but those blended so well, you cant really see them.

veneerpatch.jpg

The curve and reflective light on the lid makes for a very tough spot to work. Well done.
I was thinking about the doors and that the grain would be a useful element for blending.
You have saved a fine example.

Thanks,
James