The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Greeting to All.
I'm new to the forum, but not to phonographs!
I've got a Triumph Model A that I picked up at the show in Union back in June. The cabinet is painted green with Edison script logo in black. I doubt it is factory, but would like to know a little more about it before I strip and re-stain it and put a banner decal on it.
Thanks

Wes,

Welcome to both the world of phonograph collecting and the TM Forum

One thing you will notice if you check in with the forum once and awhile is a ongoing debate about refinishing machines; either stripping and refinishing vs just cleaning. In your case I feel very comfortable, but will likely suffer some feedback, recommending to you to strip this paint off of your machine and refinish it.

Green paint is a 70's thing not a 1900s thing.

I suggest that you leaf through the Tips, Tricks & Tutorial page of this forum. There have been many discussions on how to strip, how far to go and how to re-stain.

From the looks of the bed plate of your machine (the black metal) it was stripped down and repainted. If this is the case your machine is a great candidate for the application of new pin stripping.

This is a great looking machine - please keep us posted as you work on your project

Bruce

That green paint is definitely not original!

Most of the Edison cylinder phonographs had oak cabinets in various finishes. One finish that was called "fumed oak" had a greenish color to it. Your cabinet is NOT one of those!

I think any attempt at refinishing that cabinet would be an improvement.

Thanks guys, that was what I was hoping to hear about the cabinet!

The japan on the top works & bedplate is original from what I can tell, the pinstriping & corner decorations are still visible at the back.
Do you suggest I try to re-stripe it or leave it with the gilding worn off?

Interesting machine... Notice how the top board is rounded and the base corners are more square. Is you crank threaded or does it slip on the shaft? I've seen Triumphs like this before so I suspect it came from the factory like this. I vote to refinish. Jerry Blais

The winding arbor is square.