The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have just bought a Victor IV in pretty good shape - the worst damage is one broken spring, but it's broken at the outer end, so there will be no problem fixing it.

The finish is pretty good, too, except for a few scratches. But before I do more than clean it up - what is the original finish - shellac, varnish? Any hints or tips will be much appreciated.

And, as I've never worked with a brass/steel horn - any hints there will also be appreciated. I've polished the brass with Brasso, and cleaned the steel end with Go-Jo - it looks much better - no rust at all. But is there anything more to do?

By the way, a google search reveals that Victor IV was a twelfth century antipope!

Nat

I'm fairly certain the original finish is shellac, but if not some of our other folks will correct that. However, I don't know that I would do anything other than the clean up. From the pics it looks really good as is and once the original finish is gone you can never reverse that.

Clay

I'll give it a good clean - but my question was more toward what to avoid so as not to hurt the shellac - and how to finish: wax? Feed 'n' clean - that sort of thing.

It's my first older machine - so I'm trying very hard not to do anything wrong on it!

Thanks for your reply!

Nat

Everybody here will have their favorite polish. I like the lemon oil and beeswax polish made my Kotton Klenser for the wood. Avoid any of the modern spray waxes that contain silicone. As for metal parts, a good quality car wax works well. I use Meguiar's Cleaner Wax and have been pleased with the results and so far have not had any problem with it taking off decorative striping, etc., but go gently in those areas. Avoid anything with abrasives.

You are off to a great start!

Clay

I could be wrong but it looks like it has been refinished. Vic IV's are usually quite dark and this one shows a great deal of grain. Also, it looks like it has a poor quality aluminum elbow. I hope I'm incorrect about both observations. Jerry

Jerry B. wrote:I could be wrong but it looks like it has been refinished. Vic IV's are usually quite dark and this one shows a great deal of grain. Also, it looks like it has a poor quality aluminum elbow. I hope I'm incorrect about both observations. Jerry

Looks like a flash was used Jerry, and that can make things look much lighter than they really are.

Clay

Nat, Your machine looks good in the picture, I wouldn't do anything to the cabinet. Can you take pictures from other angles?
Howard. (I have a Victor IV also)

Howard is correct, your machine looks good. It looks so good that I thought it had possibly been refinished. I did not mean it as a criticism but more as an observation. The Vic IV has always been one of my favorites. Jerry