The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I recently bought a very dirty but potentially nice Victrola VIII. I've always liked the VIII because of its dainty size and good double spring motor. I've talked to several collectors that leave things as they find them claiming it's part of the machine's history. In my opinion history has not stopped and when needed I like to give a machine some good new history. That's what I've done with this Victrola.

Jerry Blais

Looking good. I'm always amazed how well goop works. I'm working on an Edison S-19 that had seen better days. I particularly like your mini medieval morning star. Keep the pics coming.

Jerry, this "part of the machine's history" stuff isn't my cup o Joe either. I go through it with my automotive biz too- "keep it original"... sorry, but rust and primer showing through, not running on all cylinders, and "patina" isn't original. Neither is a filthy abused Victrola. Should we wear dirt on our skin and let our teeth rot due to lack of maintenance because it's part of our history? I think not, LOL.

I always say... "not too many museums display dirty clapped out junk. Hey, if that's your thing, though, that's your thing. I won't lecture you about how wrong you are if you'll do the same for me".

What IS incumbent on the restorer is to do the research and take the proper care do do it right. That's called "preservation". Anything else is to ruin it and in that case, yes, you should have just left well enough alone. I often tell people on the classic VW and Mercedes forums I belong to that too many people don't know the difference between "restored" and "restroyed".

I think what you did is just perfect... for whatever that is or is not worth.

I like the "Part I" idea and also enjoy reading about the process of restoration.