The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

It seems that the top of your cabinet has had the veneer removed (except below the turntable), exposing the lesser wood beneath. I'd recommend removing all hardware on the top, take off the remaining circle of veneer and discard, then re-veneer with some nice ribbon mahogany. If you've never done veneer work, I'd recommend having the cabinet professionally re-done. Your BY is well worth it.

George P.

Wait, so at one time the entire top of it was mahogany veneer? Or the whole enchilada? Which ever it was I definitely wouldn't trust myself on the wood since it's the main focal point, know any good wood repair places? Or is this simpler then it sounds...

ColumbiaBY wrote:Wait, so at one time the entire top of it was mahogany veneer? Or the whole enchilada? Which ever it was I definitely wouldn't trust myself on the wood since it's the main focal point, know any good wood repair places? Or is this simpler then it sounds...

If you don't trust your skills at re-veneering (like me). Then you may want to look for a local cabinet maker/ restorer to give you a quote. I would think just the top will need new veneer. However, while in a professionals hands....he or she can finish the whole cabinet at once. If your missing the decal (I think you are). I would contact Greg Cline for one and the restorer can apply this "before" the final coat of finish.
The bottom line of course.....how much are you willing to spend.

As others have said.....this was a top of the line model and worth having it done right the first time.

BTW, I would remove "all" the hardware and even the hinges before you take it in. I'm sure you can re & re all that yourself and save a little $$$.

I'm confused is it: Top veneer and the rest refinished mahogany coloured? or Whole thing veneer? Sorry for the confusion just don't want to do this and end up with a polka dot zebra striped cabinet.

ColumbiaBY wrote:I'm confused is it: Top veneer and the rest refinished mahogany coloured? or Whole thing veneer? Sorry for the confusion just don't want to do this and end up with a polka dot zebra striped cabinet.

The entire cabinet was finished in mahogany. Obviously the top was mahogany veneer. I don't own a BY so I don't know if the sides were veneered or not - and I can't tell by your photos. If your sides are veneered and in good condition, they'll only need refinishing. If the sides are not veneered, but are mahogany, they'll only need refinishing. If the sides are not mahogany, they'll need veneering.

George P.

phonogfp wrote:

ColumbiaBY wrote:I'm confused is it: Top veneer and the rest refinished mahogany coloured? or Whole thing veneer? Sorry for the confusion just don't want to do this and end up with a polka dot zebra striped cabinet.

The entire cabinet was finished in mahogany. Obviously the top was mahogany veneer. I don't own a BY so I don't know if the sides were veneered or not - and I can't tell by your photos. If your sides are veneered and in good condition, they'll only need refinishing. If the sides are not veneered, but are mahogany, they'll only need refinishing. If the sides are not mahogany, they'll need veneering.

George P.

Early BY machines had sides made of solid mahogany. In 1907 or therabouts Columbia advertised an improved machine with a solid mahogany cabinet which was subsequently veneered with select mahogany veneers with a pronounced striped effect. I once had such a machine, and it was impressive indeed. The lit was veneered in four pieces, with the stripe perpendicular to all four edges of the cabinet.

ColumbiaBY wrote:I'm confused is it: Top veneer and the rest refinished mahogany coloured? or Whole thing veneer? Sorry for the confusion just don't want to do this and end up with a polka dot zebra striped cabinet.

Regardless, a professional will be able to address all the cabinet issues and will have it "in hand" to assess it better. check your local phone book or web. It would be best to get quotes first and a chance to see the past jobs they have done.
Best of luck... .

Here are some pictures of a BY. It's difficult to tell but looking at a couple of them I would guess the sides are solid mahogany and just the top was veneered.
http://www.phonographcompany.com/index. ... &detail=76

As others have said, you have a very high end machine here so I'd be meticulous about the restoration. As my wife often says to me, "You need some good professional help!"

Well, if your machine is from 1909, it might likely have had a fully veneered cabinet. According to Baumbach & Lackey,

"In 1909 certain improvements and cosmetic changes were made. Mahogany veneer was wrapped around the solid mahogany cabinet to improve the grain. The Grand reproducer replaced the earlier Analyzing reproducer, and later the nickel trim ring was deleted."

Now, I'm not entirely sure, but the mute device seems to have been fitted only on the Analyzing soundbox; though whether the veneered cabinet was introduced before or after the reproducer change is not clear (indeed, Columbia machines are pretty hard to pin down precisely).

One thing you might check is whether there are any small screw holes on the motor board, which would indicate whether or not it had the trim ring around the turntable. Also check the cabinet sides for any marks or scars that might indicate veneer having been removed. They do seem rather light in comparison to the old veneer on the motor board....

Bill