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Well, I did in fact actually bring this home with me, even though it needs quite a bit of TLC (which is one of the reasons I rescued it).

The reproducers and tone arm are/were plated pot metal, and in pretty rough shape. The thumb screw for one of the reproducers was stripped out, so there is no way to hold a needle in place. Also, the pot metal was cracked at the connection point to the tone arm. (I will post pics tomorrow for the sake of clarity, and to see if anyone has suggestions/advice; e.g., is it possible for me to replace the tone arm and reproducers in this unit with an Ultona arm and repro.) One of the reproducers has a clear tip (needle? although pretty rounded in appearance). What is it? Is that for playing Pathé recordings?

The wood was pretty dry in area of the carvings (I have some of the saved pieces that can be reglued). I think if I restain the other missing small carved details, those areas will likely be virtually invisible.

I was completely flummoxed, however, by how to access the motor, (which, by the way, runs awesomely smooth, strong and quietly... even if I could not actually listen to a record). There is no obvious way to access the motor, no removable motor board from the top side, and no obvious means of entry (other than to potentially remove the entire wood horn -- which does have small screws -- but I am reluctant to do so due to the overall dryness of the wood). No back panel entry, either.

One other confusing issue was how to remove the turntable on this machine. It doesn't (at least not that I could easily) just pop off the top. Ideas?? (Especially those who may own Brunswick models...)

I'll post pictures of my red-headed stepchild tomorrow, but all in all, for 50 dollars it seemed like a decent rescue (not to mention about 50 decent shaped 78s, some more rare and difficult to find).

What a deal...

Danish oil is best for cleaning up finish. Buy mahogany color at Rocklers. After removing metals rub wood down with 0000 steel wool. Areas of raw wood where carving is damaged will need to be dyed to match. Get dye at Rocklers too, dilute in denatured alcohol. Dye is only way to get wood darker than stain will take it.

Danish oil is tinted linseed oil. Linseed oil is a traditional finish and a top coat. Be sure to rub it down as it does not dry, only gets sticky. If project is sticky the next day rub down with Howard's liquid wax or paint thinner.

Dip metals in phosphoric acid to remove rust. Phosphoric acid is good stuff, won't burn your skin. Hydrochloric or muriatic acid is too strong. Then soak in baking soda- sodium bicarbonate- to neutralize acid. Rub with 0000 steel wool and dishwashing soap in kitchen sink to polish.

If anything is broken or missing deal with that first. It's frustrating to have a project all taken apart and scattered around waiting for a part.

Good for you Tinkerbell !

You made the effort and time and cash to check it out. It may be frustrating restoration at times but hang in there, it doesn't have to take place overnight and you will find some interesting aspects to collecting these types of machines. You are way ahead financially on this quality type machine so just go step by step and it will all fall into place.

Congrats,
ColoradoPhonograf

Yes- the stylus with the ball shaped jewel tip is for playing Pathé discs. If it's not chipped or worn these cost at least $30 - or more- so you got a great deal. The pot metal problems in the arms isn't good but maybe a later Brunswick arm could be put on the motorboard without spoiling things.

Before following Covah's advice on refinishing I'd try some simpler cleaning.

Well done Tinker,

Sounds like it needs a little work but for that price... you can't really go wrong!

Anyone familiar enough with early Brunswick to know how to get the turntable off? (It doesn't look like there is enough clearance between the turntable and motorboard for there to be a set screw on the underside.)

I am not near my machines right now (looking out the window at the beach, and the RAIN ) and I don'r recall how my Bruns' turntable attaches.

I would suggest checking to see if the spindle will unscrew. Evidence would be a slot in the spindle that would accommodate a screwdriver, or a hole in the side that would allow a small nail or ice pick to apply torque.

Baring that, take a piece of paper and poke the spindle through it and do a rubbing with a pencil around the spindle to see if there are screws in the turntable under the felt (again, near the spindle).

I'll echo the others, looks a like a great deal that will restore nicely. The fun is in journey.

Brad wrote:I am not near my machines right now (looking out the window at the beach, and the RAIN ) and I don'r recall how my Bruns' turntable attaches.

I would suggest checking to see if the spindle will unscrew. Evidence would be a slot in the spindle that would accommodate a screwdriver, or a hole in the side that would allow a small nail or ice pick to apply torque.

Baring that, take a piece of paper and poke the spindle through it and do a rubbing with a pencil around the spindle to see if there are screws in the turntable under the felt (again, near the spindle).

I'll echo the others, looks a like a great deal that will restore nicely. The fun is in journey.

Such clever people Actually, it was just being old and stubborn (not unlike myself), and needed a little persuasion to come off... the rather unusual brake arrangement was also causing it to hang a bit, as well. Thanks for the tips, though, they will be useful to remember in future endeavors.

PS - Sorry about the rain. We've had over a foot of it (here in WI) in July. I say enough already! I'm just thankful it didn't rain yesterday while I was transporting my rescue home.

**SEE FIRST POST FOR UPDATED PICS OF MY NOW (NEAR) COMPLETED BRUNSWICK.**

Beautiful, Tink! That's a classy machine - - you brought it back from the grave!

George P.