The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

When I got this 14 some one had already stripped the finish. They actually did a very good job saving the tint.. but Now what? There are areas that have some streaks of tone almost like water Mark's. I tried to get a picture of that.
The door are in like condition.
Should I just put a coat of varnish on it and call it good?

You might want to try Howard Restor-a-Finish on a small, inconspicuous area. You may find it does exactly what you are looking to do.

This is my first attempt at a restore. Should I lightly sand it first? Or use a grain filler?

Unfortunately, the prior refinisher worked around the decal. I have never seen an acceptable restoration when the decal is worked around and saved. The eye is always drawn to the difference in colors. Modern Gregg Cline decals make it possible to do a quality restoration. Do you know what finish, if any, is over the stain? The finish looks dead or dry in your photos so there may be no actual finish. I'd start by stripping the inside of the lid. Please don't use sandpaper. If you have question please send a PM. Good luck on your project.

Jerry B.

To my thinking, there's no such thing as "saving the tint". Once it's been stripped it will lose some color and also give the unwanted variations in tone that you're seeing. I would sand it, then restain it, using a dye stain. Grain filler before stain would probably be best, though I've never done it, so I can't give too much advice there.

Others advice on replacing the Victrole decal is probably wise. No "worked around" decal ever looks right.