The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I'm working on bringing the RE-45 I recently found "up to code", and I noticed that the material on the turntable was not real leather like on my 8-35, but some sort of faux leather (you can see the fibers in the cross-section). I can only assume that this was replaced quite some time ago, as the material has lifted up around the edge and become extremely brittle. I'd like to replace it with a leather of suitable color and grain, does anyone have a recomendation of where to obtain such leather? I'd also be open to buying a replacement turntable with good leather, if anyone has a spare (I know, I know. This isn't Yankee Trader, but please don't report me... )

Brandon,This material (oil cloth) was used on seats of dinning chairs and came in various colors. Keep your eyes on CL for an old beat up chair with the right color.
There is also a new replacement (faux) leather made today. It looks even more like real leather and comes in many colors. Here are pics of original (on the right) and the new material.

So, is the RE-45 supposed to have faux leather then? I assumed it should have been real leather like the 8-35.

Sorry, that I can not answer. However, if your observations have lead you to believe the material is "faux" leather......then, it would have been this "oil cloth" material. Again, very popular at the time.

Brandon, on my victor re-45 my turntable leather is very nice condition and I think that it is faux leather because it almost feels like vinyl. If you are looking for a replacement I would recommend buying this: http://www.fabricdirect.com/acatalog/Pi ... Green.html , It matches mine EXACTLY and mine has had very little fading over the years.
Hope this helps,
-Tom

I am not sure what is on the platter of my Radiola 47 radio-phono, but my Victrola VV 7-11 and my VV 2-55 both have leatherette on the platters, and I believe it to be original.


I will check the Radiola 47 later today.

Interesting... so perhaps mine is original, then. Would the same technique for softening leather apply to whatever this stuff is? I feel as if the edges would crumble right off if I put a 12" disc on the platter, since it's lifted up and very brittle.

Well, it took me long enough to look at my Radiola 47... it has dark-brown felt on the platter. Also has the Victor induction motor, Ortho-style brake and auto-stop, and speed control.

I don't know about the early leatherettes, but true "oil-cloth" was made of a linen-type cloth impregnated with a linseed-oil coating.

The 1920's-'30's grained "leathettes" I have seen on portable phonographs, auto trunks, etc. also seem to have a square-weave fabric backing as their foundation. Most are "dead-brittle".

I do not know of any product to soften / rejuvenate this stuff once it's gone crackly...

If you like the idea of using real leather, then visit a Tandy leather retail store. They have an incredible selection to look at.

This vendor is listed in the "parts" page of : http://www.grillecloth.com/other/parts.php


Leatherette
Scott McAuley
117 Sandy Lane
Cayce, SC 29033
(803) 791-0733
LSASE for samples


I would assume he specializes in leatherette for portable radios, but might have something appropriate for a Victor platter...