The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I am trying to finish up my oak "L" door XVI (serial # 14315 B which shows to be from 1908) and need to know what the correct decal would be for the lid. The entire inside was painted with black enamel, so I had to strip and refinish the complete machine. I am down to the lid decal, I will probably get it from Greg Cline, and needing one more lower door knob, and of course the box albums to make it complete.

I would also like to know if there is somewhere I can get the knobs, lid prop and other small items replated in the original color gold.

All help appreciated,
Dave Beck

Dave, Gregg will be able to tell you which correct decal will be required. Gold plating of the period is no longer done. Mercury was used and in today's world....that is out. So, all gold plating now is very bright. BTW, the gold Victor used was only 10k. Plating today is 24K. Therefore, a different color. It will not match the other parts with old plate. This gives you two choices......plate "all" or look for parts in clean original plate.
Hope that helps... .

A forum member recommended the following site a couple of years ago to me for gold plating: http://www.nashvilleplatingservice.com

They specialize in plating for musical instruments, but will do the gold plating. Be sure to let them know you want an antique "washed" look to the plating. I contacted them for a quote, but have not yet sent them all the parts. I was able to find most of the worst looking parts online for a reasonable cost and have not had everything done yet. I still plan to do it, but the machine is presentable as is, so I am not in as big a hurry.

Thanks for the help guys. I checked out the plating site and he offers antique gold plating looks correct to me. take a look and give me your opinion. All my knobs were down to just bare brass when I got the machine.