The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I've recently picked up an RCA Victor 2-65 portable.
http://www.victor-victrola.com/2-65.htm

It doesn't play too badly, though the soundbox hasn't been rebuilt. The main problem is cosmetic- the fabric covering has shrunken and pulled away from the wood, particularly inside the lid. Is there anything I can treat the covering with to soften it a bit so I can fold it back and apply some glue? Water might work but I thought I'd ask before starting anything.

What type of cloth was used on these machines?
I've never found one where the fabric has actually shrunk, so I'm guessing it's not ordinary leather cloth...maybe some sort of early vinyl or plastic coated material?

It's some sort of coated cloth with a leather finish. Although otherwise intact the panels no longer meet at the corners, and inside the lid there's a gap where they once fitted flush against the wood center panel. It'll never look perfect but it's not so far gone as to require a completely new covering.