The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi again, got an interesting finish on a Victrola. I'm still a novice and do not recognize if it is original or not. Thanks for your input.

Welcome to the board and the hobby!

Well, the inside is original and is quite a bit more rare than the run of the mill oak and mahogany. It looks like flemish oak, although others on the board will know better than I do. Unfortunately, someone has ruined the phonograph by refinishing the outside. If it was all the original finish like under the lid, it would be a nice one to have. But I doubt it holds much value to a collector in the condition it is now other than for parts.

Others will have more info I am sure. Either way, welcome!

That is too bad. The exterior finish could be redone to something like the original but the cost could be more than the machine's value.

I don't think all is lost. Right or wrong, here's my suggestion... You can do wonders with a bit of oil paint and it's easy. I would buy a dark brown like the color "burnt umber" and some paint thinner. Apply a little paint (about half of what you'd apply to your tooth brush) directly on the finish and rub it into the oak with your fingers. If it's too dark, take a little paint thinner on a rag and rub some of the color out. Start small and play with it. You'll get a color that is very close to the fumed oak that's under the lid. The oil paint takes quite a while to dry so you've got plenty of time to play with it. When you're satisfied with the color, give it plenty of time to dry before adding a finish coat.

Several years ago a friend bought a second style Edison Concert with the green finish. A previous owner had sanded the case and all the green was gone. I used the above process using some green and a little brown paint and achieved great results. With one of Gregggg Cline's decals, I bet I could fool the bunch of you.

The dark oak finished Victrolas are much more unusual than the typical golden oak ones. Your machine is worth the effort. If I can do it, anyone can. Jerry Blais

It goes without saying to be sure to clean the cabinet of any old wax, grease, and grime first.

I have used this method to darken the finish on items with varying sucess. Sometimes the results look awesome, other times not. The good news is if it not to your liking, you can remove the wash with paint thinner.

Be sure an come back with "after" pictures.

Thanks for all the info. I'll try some of those techniques and with some good results will post pics.