The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Were the crank and horn lift knobs on an Edison S-19 originally stained or painted black?. My S-19's knobs have had most of the black worn away and now bare wood is exposed. Were these parts originally painted or stained? Should I repaint or re-stain and clear coat these to keep them from deteriorating? Also, how can I get old gold paint off of the crank without damaging the remaining plating underneath?

Black became the standard finish for crank and lift handles in June 1915. I think an ebony stain, or perhaps nigrosene in alcohol, would be best, followed by a coat of shellac.
Bill

Sounds good enough for me. Thanks for the information. Still trying how to figure out how to strip 1960s gold paint from the crank without destroying the underlying gold finish.