Victor Plating?

[jvic]

Any ballpark ideas out there for what it would cost today to replate the GOLD plated hardware on a Victor VI?? Was this hardware originally highly polished gold, or more of a satin finish?
Are there any particularly well know and trusted platers out there for Victor hardware (nickle as well)?

Jeff

[JohnM]

Gold varies with the market. Contact Steve Farmer at farmerized1 'at' msn 'dot' com

[jvic]

Thanks for the lead!!! Unfortunately, he is only doing full machine restorations and is not interested in jobbing out just the plating. Anybody else out there with good sources to just send the hardware for plating?

Jeff

[WDC]

When it comes to nickel plating, I always trust the knowledge of Rod Lauman from Victrola Repair Service: http://www.victrolarepairservice.com/nickelplating.html.

He did several, mostly smaller parts for me and they all came out very authentic. But I don't think that he does gold plating too. Anyway, asking can't hurt.

I guess that all the Victor gold finish had a dull/satin look as I have never seen a shiny finish.

[estott]

I guess that all the Victor gold finish had a dull/satin look as I have never seen a shiny finish.

Most all, but my RCA Victor VV 2-65 portable has bright polished gold plate. Still, that's decades later:

http://www.myvintagetv.com/updatepages1 ... r2-65a.htm

[JohnM]

Google Nashville Plating. I've had them replate banjo parts in gold for me, and they are knowledgeable about historic finishes. Disappointed to learn that Steve can't help you, sorry.

[Zeppy]

I had all the hardware for my 1913 VV-XVI replated years ago. It was done by a place in the DC burbs (Kennsington, MD). They did an excellent job matching the original matte finish, but it cost an arm and a leg, and with the current price of gold, I'm guessing the price has only gone up. I think the total was around $400 if not more. Probably spent more money than the machine is worth, but it looks like new (and it was in really rough shape before).

[barnettrp21122]

I'd never tried polishing the gold plate, figuring I'd wear off what little there was. A collector suggested cleaning with a cotton ball soaked with household ammonia, and I was pleased to see how it improved the look of the existing gold plate.
Bob

[estott]

I think what the ammonia does is to strip off the old clear coat over the gold plate- it's an old trick for cleaning up varnished brass . This improves the appearance but it should be recoated to protect the thin plating.

[JohnM]

These guys know what they're doing. I have no doubt that they can plate phonograph parts just as well as they do banjo parts.
Here's Nashville Plating's website:
http://www.nashvilleplatingservice.com