VV 1-6 suitcase mess

[a12548]

I was given a beat up but intact portable..Its got some veneer damage..but is that like a textured tolex that is on the veneer? Has anyone dealt with this kind of repair with the textured layer? What did they call it back then and what was actually used. regards!

[mf77]

Don't know what it was originally called, but the pattern would have been achieved by a steam pressing roller.
I would try contacting some antique stores who specialise in selling/restoring bentwood furniture.
Many of the original bentwood factories used similar steam pressed patterns on the ply backs, seats and replacement seats they made. They may have a delaminating seat from which some veneer could be salvaged. You probably won't find an exact match, but I'm sure there'd be something with a pattern of similar size & shape which could be used and would blend in once stained.
Another alternative could be to remove veneer from under the turntable where it won't be seen, and use that veneer for the repair. You may be lucky and find a section close to the spindle hole where the pattern is repeated, and it could be used to make an invisible matching repair. Also check under the tone arm mount, speed control etc.
If you choose this method, don't forget to patch the area you took the veneer from, so as to leave the surface area level.
You could even try making a mould from the pattern, patch with wood filler or putty, and press the mould on the surface to recreate the pattern.

[JerryVan]

I think what you might have there is the remains of a "crackle finish" paint job, like this http://www.paintinganddecoratingconcour ... ackle.html

At the very least, that may be how you can refinish it after the veneer has been repaired. It's about the only way you can replace that texture.