The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Well, looks like a full sand, restain and clear is in order. Did clean up decent though.

You did a great job cleaning it, looks like!

Rather than sanding, try scraping first to get the old shellac off without rounding the contours over. I am doing scraper blade techniques on a piano build and on the most recent phonograph currently undergoing repairs. Saved me a great amount of time, chemicals, and work.

Sanding came in for the fine details along with denatured alcohol on steel wool.

A Victrola is fun to refinish as the wood holds a good stain color and you can usually get them looking good with shellac. Paul Edies old website, The Victor-Victrola Page, has tons of refinishing information.

One of your first questions was what year was this machine made. Based on the serial number, it was likely made in 1916.

See attached picture for additional information.

Thanks,

John

Van, the shallac looks to be long gone. I’m at the point where a full restore is needed. Don’t plan on selling it, hoping to hand it down through the family. Question is, do I restore it to its original color or do something different?

John, thank you for the year information. It’s great knowing this piece is over 100 years old and still works!

Shaun8484 wrote: Tue Oct 15, 2024 9:40 pm Question is, do I restore it to its original color or do something different?

Most folks here are purists and would recommend restoring to its original color. Also, a shellac finish is most often recommended. Whatever you do, please don't paint it! In the end however, it's yours to finish as you please.

Thanks Jerry, never would I paint it! I like the original stain so I think that’s what I’m going to do. The rest of the box seems …ok. We shall see

Jmcmahan67 wrote: Tue Oct 15, 2024 8:30 pm One of your first questions was what year was this machine made. Based on the serial number, it was likely made in 1916.

See attached picture for additional information.

Thanks,

John

Hello, for curiosity... What book has this image been taken from? How many data about the machine!!

Inigo wrote: Wed Oct 16, 2024 1:29 pm

Jmcmahan67 wrote: Tue Oct 15, 2024 8:30 pm One of your first questions was what year was this machine made. Based on the serial number, it was likely made in 1916.

See attached picture for additional information.

Thanks,

John

Hello, for curiosity... What book has this image been taken from? How many data about the machine!!

Inigo,

I believe it's taken from the Victor Data Book, by Baumbach.

https://www.amazon.com/Victor-Data-Book ... 137&sr=8-1

Shaun8484 wrote: Sun Oct 13, 2024 7:49 pm I’ve also attached pictures of the other “thing” any help would be appreciated. I’ve also added a pic of the reproducer in case anyone can chime in to give anymore info.

That's a standard Exhibition Sound Box (reproducer) -- http://www.victor-victrola.com/Soundboxes.htm -- fitted to most Victrolas prior to about 1919. I'd strongly suggest that before playing ANY records on your Victrola ( http://www.victor-victrola.com/IX.htm ), you do a complete overhaul of the sound box, since it look to be frozen with hard gaskets, etc.. Fairly straightforward instructions are available here -- https://www.nipperhead.com/old/reproducers.htm -- and at other sites.

OrthoFan

JerryVan wrote: Wed Oct 16, 2024 2:10 pm Inigo,
I believe it's taken from the Victor Data Book, by Baumbach.
https://www.amazon.com/Victor-Data-Book ... 137&sr=8-1

Thanks, @JerryVan! I have Look For The Dog, but not that one.