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I am currently restoring an Edison Amberola 50 ( oak case ) that had been partially dismantled by its previous owner for whatever reason. My question relates to the 8 wood-screws that fix down the decorative internal wooden grill that surrounds the phonograph mechanism. When I received the phonograph , those wood - screws were missing. Can someone please tell me if those screws are flat countersunk or rounded head countersunk ? and presumably nickel plated ? I notice that the wood-screws that fix the lid hinges are rounded head countersunk so I am thinking the screws for the grill are probably the same , but thought I would ask members of the forum so that I replace the screws with the correct type.
Appreciate any advice , thank you. Dulcetto

Dulcetto wrote:I am currently restoring an Edison Amberola 50 ( oak case ) that had been partially dismantled by its previous owner for whatever reason. My question relates to the 8 wood-screws that fix down the decorative internal wooden grill that surrounds the phonograph mechanism. When I received the phonograph , those wood - screws were missing. Can someone please tell me if those screws are flat countersunk or rounded head countersunk ? and presumably nickel plated ? I notice that the wood-screws that fix the lid hinges are rounded head countersunk so I am thinking the screws for the grill are probably the same , but thought I would ask members of the forum so that I replace the screws with the correct type.
Appreciate any advice , thank you. Dulcetto

One of my Amberola 50 machines was missing those screws and the best solution I could find was using these

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wood-Screws-Ova ... 1359250983

They are the right size and the oval heads are also correct. I would have preferred finding them in a dark color, the brass looks a little too new for my beat up mahogany machine. But I believe this is what you would be looking for.

On my mahogany Amberola 50 the screws are round headed countersunk bronzed finish, and appear to be the originals.

If you use new brass or steel screws and want them to look aged, use this: Birchwood Casey Super Blue

https://www.amazon.com/Birchwood-Casey- ... B0000C515I

Pour a little in a small Dixie cup and place the screws in the liquid, swirl it around and remove them. Spray some oil or WD-40 on them to stop the process and you're done...

Alternately, heat them with a torch to red hot and dip them in motor oil... whichever method appeals to you the most.

I always remove all screws during a restoration, clean the slots with a file and polish them. Afterwards I age them back with the above method. My thought is that rust is not "patina", but rather neglect.

My Amberola 50, in the very low 2000 range, has nickel-plated oval-head countersunk screws holding the grille in place. I don't recall seeing a 50 that had anything but nickel-plated screws.

Jim

Thank you one and all for your replies. Nickel - plated rounded head countersunk ( known as oval - head in USA and raised - head in UK ) would seem to be correct then in an oak cabinet. I thought as much , as the screws then match in with the lid hinge screws. Many thanks again Dulcetto

"oval-head countersunk screws holding the grille in place. I don't recall seeing a 50 that had anything but nickel-plated screws."

+1

I have a pretty much Factory MINT Oak Amberola 50. My Amberola 50 has Original Oval Headed Slotted Nickel Plated Countersunk screws.

I concur with the statement above.


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Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer