Columbia AH barn find + great transformation
Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2020 6:56 pm
A few weeks ago, I found somebody who was selling a Columbia AH with the scarce filigree carry arm that he got for free from somebody's barn. It was too far, but fortunately he had to travel south for an operation and we were able to meet up. I was able to get it for $65
The paint was a huge pain, and was really stuck on there. There was no way to peel or dig under the paint, instead I had to slowly scrape off the paint until I got down to the finish. Then I cleaned the cabinet with New Life Furniture Masque (which I highly recommend). The veneer that was peeling off the top was glued back down, and I over coated the top with shellac, as well as a few of the panels on the sides. Lots and lots of scraping, picking, rubbing and buffing, but the results were great.
The reproducer was rebuilt, the motor cleaned and re-oiled, and the felt was replaced. All that is left is to find a horn with the elbow an I will have a nice and complete original machine. If anybody has one they are willing to sell please let me know
Martin
The paint was a huge pain, and was really stuck on there. There was no way to peel or dig under the paint, instead I had to slowly scrape off the paint until I got down to the finish. Then I cleaned the cabinet with New Life Furniture Masque (which I highly recommend). The veneer that was peeling off the top was glued back down, and I over coated the top with shellac, as well as a few of the panels on the sides. Lots and lots of scraping, picking, rubbing and buffing, but the results were great.
The reproducer was rebuilt, the motor cleaned and re-oiled, and the felt was replaced. All that is left is to find a horn with the elbow an I will have a nice and complete original machine. If anybody has one they are willing to sell please let me know
Martin
