The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I wanted to post some as received pictures here before I begin this adventure. I hope that I am not in over my head on this one. Right now I am still in the planning stage. I have been searching for pictures and scaling features. I think that the little guy is worth a good effort.

Ouch! Poor pup...

Good for you for thoroughly thinking out your process first. Best of luck with your rescue dog!

George P.

Do you have any of Joan & Rob Rolfs books? Their photos would show a great deal about the front legs and ears. Great and worthy project. I'm anxious to see progress.

Jerry Blais

Jerry B. wrote:Do you have any of Joan & Rob Rolfs books? Their photos would show a great deal about the front legs and ears. Great and worthy project. I'm anxious to see progress.

Jerry Blais

I have one of their books. I have been accumulating pictures for scaling.

This will not be a quick project. When I was a tool and die apprentice my mentor told me to never take my first cut without knowing my last. Any advice is very welcome.

I applaud your efforts to revive this Nipper

When you see an old Nipper like this it appears that the front legs are almost tucked back close to the body making the whole dog a bit tippy. Also the ears on early Nippers are thin compared to later Nippers with meaty ears. I did an early Nipper that was much smaller and I used several layers of brown paper bag glued together to get that effect. You need something a bit thicker. I'd play with cardboard with paper bag glued on each side. I like using a Dremel (sp?) because the high speed does the work without putting strain on Nipper's joints. Have fun and enjoy the process and be sure to share your successful tips.

Jerry Blais

Looks like it came out of King Tut's tomb. Anxious to see your progress.

JerryVan wrote:Looks like it came out of King Tut's tomb. Anxious to see your progress.

Me too

A metal framework for the legs seems to be a starting point, as most of the rest is cosmetic. Make holes in the body to insert the metal so it has a firm attachment and epoxy them in place. Once you determine the length of the framework needed to support the body in the correct stance, then you can start building up the legs a layer at a time until you are able to shape them. For a base layer around the metal legs epoxy putty may work well and it will give it the strength needed to support the dog. I used this method when I repaired my Pathé rooster with broken legs... It's now as solid as new. Once the epoxy putty has hardened you can coat it over with paper mache or Bondo and sculpt it.

Be sure to take pictures of the original paint on the face, mouth, collar and ears so you know how to restore the look...

If you decide you use paper mache, be sure to use a durable super strength glue in the mix...

Unless I missed something I don't believe there is any metal structure to support or mount the legs. Am I incorrect?

Jerry B.