The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I came across this reproducer and want to know whether the finish can be restored. All ortho reproducers that I've seen before had the back flange in much worse shape, but this one is opposite. The back flange of this one looks good to me, but the front is corroded and the corrosion is mostly on one side. Is this corrosion common? Is it a result of a water damage, or something else can cause a corrosion like this? I'm thinking that if it was a water damage, then the back would have suffered as well....
Is this corrosion restorable, or the front has to be replaced?
I've seen people mentioning in this forum modern reproduction of the back and the front of an ortho reproducer. Where I can buy those and how much do they run for?
I see a bunch of videos on youtube how to rebuild a reproducer, but they all are for Exhibition or No.2. I couldn't find any instructional video for an orthophonic. Is there a video or an illustrated guide how to rebuild an orthophonic reproducer?
Thanks all.

It might be. I think Wyatt Markus could do it, no problem. He may have to use a new cover piece though. Yes they make them.

The "corrosion" appears to be pot metal deterioration, which is common and that is the reason for reproduction front and back pieces.

Curt A wrote:The "corrosion" appears to be pot metal deterioration, which is common and that is the reason for reproduction front and back pieces.

I keep hearing about modern reproduction of front and back, but never saw them for sale. Where are they available?

I don't know who has them for sale... maybe Ron Sitko?

I think Ron does have them, but I've also seen them on eBay from Walt.

I believe this website still has reproduction castings for Orthophonics available. If you scroll down the page you will see the reproducer section that has prices.

http://shenandoahrestoration.com/motor.html

I see no cracks or swelling in the pot metal--only surface corrosion. I'm wondering if a careful sanding, buffing and re-plating would bring it back.

OF

OrthoFan wrote:I see not cracks or swelling in the pot metal--only surface corrosion. I'm wondering if a careful sanding, buffing and re-plating would bring it back.

OF

YES

OrthoFan wrote:I see not cracks or swelling in the pot metal--only surface corrosion. I'm wondering if a careful sanding, buffing and re-plating would bring it back.

OF

To sand the shell you would need to disassemble it from the body. It may be worth first to check if the back ring is still in one piece (many crack over time) and if so, try to unscrew it.