The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

It's been the phonograph summer of 2015 for me. I have successfully cleaned (goop) and waxed (lemon oil) 3 uprights (VV-XVII, VV8-12, Edison S-19) and they came out better than expected. Matter of fact, they came out great. It's amazing how well the finishes were under all that grime and paint speckles (XVII) Both Victor machines also had their motors rebuilt with great results. (so quiet)I also cleaned and rebuilt a Columbia Model Q. I have been looking for a phonograph to rebuild and refinish. I was hoping to find a less common piece than this one (I know the 90 had a short run and it's basically a late model XVI) but finding it in a barn and the price I paid, I couldn't pass it up. What you may not see, other than the discolored mahogany cabinet, is the veneer has lifted off the bottom doors and on 2 sides, and it's missing it's casters. So the question is....part it out as it's to far gone and wait for a better piece or go for it? Thanks for your input. Gary

That looks to me like it can be made to be a pretty nice machine. If you want to practice refinishing, it's a perfect candidate.

bigshot wrote:That looks to me like it can be made to be a pretty nice machine. If you want to practice refinishing, it's a perfect candidate.

I'm back and forth on this, but mostly thinking a good candidate for practice also. I've been doing some preliminary cleaning today. Tore apart and cleaned the reproducer and gold parts, pretty worn but not terrible. The motor surprisingly runs well, I'm guessing the heat kept the grease from solidifying. (it's been in the 90's here in Jersey) I'll take care of that another day though. Thanks for your input bigshot.

I think it's a little too nice to part out.

I think that it would be great fun trying to bring back this machine from the brink. I'm retired so my time is cheep. Your time might be more valuable. I worked for weeks restoring my machine and now that I'm done, I wish there was more to do. Parting it out might make financial sense, but saving it will give pleasure beyond the value of the machine. What ever choice you make, good luck!

I would keep it and re-finish it.

Definitely a rescue project. Cheers

Bill K

If it's not a project you want to take on, I would suggest you reassemble it and sell it intact, cheap, to a young collector who would be thrilled to have it as a project. Gotta keep this thing going guys.

JerryVan wrote:If it's not a project you want to take on, I would suggest you reassemble it and sell it intact, cheap, to a young collector who would be thrilled to have it as a project. Gotta keep this thing going guys.

GREAT advice! Give a young'un a deal (if you can find one that's interested) and help them get involved in the hobby.

Best,
Fran