The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Need an original door knob for a Victrola VV-IV. Doesn’t have to be perfect, since the other one isn’t either. I know that reproductions are available, but the owner had the machine in the family since new and wants only original. These are the tiny door knobs not even ¼ inch in diameter. Please let me know if you have one in your parts drawer.

Thanks
Andreas
'

Years ago when I acquired my HMV 127, it was also missing a wooden door knob. One day I happen to find a suitable ½" wooden rod, and a very sharp knife. As playing, I started to carve the wooden stick by hand, slowly and carefully, and in a while I had carved a complete wooden knob. I made the narrower neck to insert it the door and it was almost perfect! A little sanding, staining with dark walnut, and a couple or three shellac layers et voilà I had made a perfect replica of the other! It looks fine. After some years of time wearing and sunlight, my replica has remained dark walnut, but the original one seems now lighter in colour.
If it is a wooden knob, you can try to make it. It's not difficult at all, of you go carving slowly and carefully....

Inigo wrote:Years ago when I acquired my HMV 127, it was also missing a wooden door knob. One day I happen to find a suitable ½" wooden rod, and a very sharp knife. As playing, I started to carve the wooden stick by hand, slowly and carefully, and in a while I had carved a complete wooden knob. I made the narrower neck to insert it the door and it was almost perfect! A little sanding, staining with dark walnut, and a couple or three shellac layers et voilà I had made a perfect replica of the other! It looks fine. After some years of time wearing and sunlight, my replica has remained dark walnut, but the original one seems now lighter in colour.
If it is a wooden knob, you can try to make it. It's not difficult at all, of you go carving slowly and carefully....

Thanks for the suggestion, I had also done that before with a wood knob for a Grafonola. This is a nickel plated brass knob though and he wants an original.

Thanks again
Andreas