The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

The top is water damaged. I at least have to stain it to even out the finish and color the wood filler.

Stain is not the worst idea. However, you'll be a lot happier with the results if you used a lacquer finish (nitrocellulose lacquer only). Polyurethane would hurt future value of the piece and probably not look as good--not to mention, it's not authentic.

But the machine IS authentically stylish, which is nice! Looks like a great piece to enjoy, and should sound nice too.

NO poly, please. Then again you are entitled to make your mistakes.