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Would I be correct in assuming that like Edison, Victor applied a thin coat of lacquer over the gold plating for protection?

I'd try the amonia first wiping gently with a very soft cloth, or for small parts, soaking for a short time in a small dish then gently brushing with a soft toothbrush for those hard to reach areas. You might be fine at how well the original gold wash cleans up. Gentle, gentle gentle though and start in small, less visible areas.

a12548 wrote:Clay, thanks for the Replating company referral. I emailed them for a quote. Does anyone else know of a reputable replating company??

If you get some pieces done, please let us know how they turn out for you and about the cost. I have a couple of machines that could do with hardware replating if the results and price are decent.

Clay

Jerry B. wrote:If you decide to re-plate, be sure to take an example of an existing piece, like a good original gold tone arm, so they can match the finish. I don't know how many finishes are available, but I suppose they range from dull to satin to gloss gold. Jerry Blais

I wish platers could do what you suppose Jerry. Unfortunately it just isn't done anymore. The level of the gold is also finer these days. Plating is done with 24k. The Vic 6 was done in a 10k mercury wash. That's why the gold on a Vic 6 is more yellow in color. However, as mentioned you still have to deal with the bottom column parts that are half frosted (meaning the surface was dulled pre-plating) and half shiny. Better to leave well enough alone. Unless you just can't live with it and like machines to look like a new penny.... .

gramophone78 wrote:

Jerry B. wrote:If you decide to re-plate, be sure to take an example of an existing piece, like a good original gold tone arm, so they can match the finish. I don't know how many finishes are available, but I suppose they range from dull to satin to gloss gold. Jerry Blais

I wish platers could do what you suppose Jerry. Unfortunately it just isn't done anymore. The level of the gold is also finer these days. Plating is done with 24k. The Vic 6 was done in a 10k mercury wash. That's why the gold on a Vic 6 is more yellow in color. However, as mentioned you still have to deal with the bottom column parts that are half frosted (meaning the surface was dulled pre-plating) and half shiny. Better to leave well enough alone. Unless you just can't live with it and like machines to look like a new penny.... .

Actually, a good quality plater can do a fairly close job. I had a company in Kennsington, MD, replate most of the parts to my VV-XVI several years back (they actually service the White House silver). I provided them with a sample of what it should look like and they did a pretty good job matching it. Granted, I cost me an arm and a leg (probably more than the machine was worth...I recall the tone arm cost $200 to replate alone), but it was an excellent job, particularly considering the tone arm was completely gunked up when they started. While no re-plating will be the same as an original, but you can come pretty close. It comes down to you get what you pay for.

Cringe all you want, but I used #0000 steel wool on my VV-XVII. All the gold plating (except two of the knobs, for some reason) came out looking like brand new. I can take a photo of it if you'd like. You just have to be really careful about it.