The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I just picked up a nice VV-50 in oak in what appears to me to be quite good cosmetic condition with nary a scratch in the wood. The finish appears to be fairly matte, but even. Would this have had a matte paste wax finish instead of shellac or varnish? I'm tempted to go over it with Howard's but I may not do that if waxing and/or lemon oil would be better.

Any advice?

Thanks!
Kevin

I don't think they were varnished as far as I know, probably because they were portable and varnish would show scratches easier.

My oak VV-50 has its original finish too and looks as you described.

Thanks, Mike, I suspected that the finish on mine was probably completely original. I shall forego the Restor-a-finish which probably darken it unnecessarily.

The motor on this was also basically identical to my VV-IV, which you also provided me with advice about a while back, so thanks for that as well.

Would you recommend Feed-n-wax or similar product, or do you think it's best to leave well enough alone?

Very nice VV-50, it was a similar oak 50 that started my addiction to Victor phonographs and just about any other phonograph with a crank sticking out of it. Phonographs come and go, but that first 50 remains, and always will. The finish on that 50 looks like yours, with maybe a bit more wear on it, the machine has been used, and still gets used for it's original intended purpose, playing records. The finish on mine is original, and will be staying that way, of all the portables I have, and I have more than one, that is the one I like the most. I just wish it would fit better in the turtle deck of my Model T, it doesn't and so the VV-35 is that car's " sound system"

52089 wrote: Would you recommend Feed-n-wax or similar product, or do you think it's best to leave well enough alone?

I personally would leave well enough alone, but it's entirely up to you. All I did with my VV-50 was wipe the dirt off with a slightly damp cotton cloth, but the finish was in pretty good shape to begin with.

If it were mine, I'd use some Feed-N-Wax. I expect the wood may be quite dry by now from the way you describe it.

Clay