The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Good evening ladies and gentlemen of the forum. Been quite a while since posting on here but visit occasionally. Kinda backed off on acquiring more machines since I now have 15, even though you can never have too many !!!
Yesterday I bought a VV 8-9 off marketplace. It’s a little worn but everything is there except the needle cup, front rosette on one of the door knobs and of course the grill cloth. I can easily fix these myself.
Question for all you experienced collectors :
This is definitely a fumed oak machine as denoted on the “The Victor-Victrola Page” but some genius decided to add a finish on the outside that appears to be shellac or varnish. Thankfully the inside of the cabinet was left un-molested.
So, what can be used to remove the varnish/shellac in a slow methodical process without harming the fumed oak finish beneath ?? I read in several posts denatured alcohol could be used. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks !!!! Terry

I hope the Rolling Stone magazine was included!

Congratulations! This is one of my favorite models. Mine has also had an over-finish on the exterior. In my case, I've decided that it really still looks pretty good and not worth the risk of trying to remove it. From what I can see of yours, the over-finish does not look apparent.

Show us a few more pics of yours. I love to see 8-9's

Thanks Jerry - After a little closer inspection this morning I think you are correct. Not too overly coated at all but does have a run here and there. Probably better to just use Go-Jo and clean it real well meticulously. Can’t wait to get it all cleaned up and clean the motor and springs as always. Will definitely post pictures later. Can’t wait to hear the metal horn. Lucked up also on the reproducer and tone arm support. Not a crack in either. Thanks again and have a great day. BTW I left The Rolling Stones and electric guitar strings with the owner !!

Be very careful when cleaning the blue-green highlights. Many people think the dark shading in those areas is just dirt. Not so! Be careful to not remove any of that shading. It's original.

Some examples, (not mine)

Good advise !!! Thanks again Jerry !!! I have looked at lots of photos on the web and my finish is pretty much in line with others and ones you posted, just very dirty now. I was thinking (wrong on my part ) that every part of the cabinet both inside and out should be fumed oak color. Mine is definitely fumed on everything inside the lid, motor board and inside of both doors. So is it correct for outside of the cabinet not to be fumed oak and just shellac/varnish?? Others please chime in on your knowledge of the 8-9 cabinets. This is a new baby for me and I’m anxiously looking forward to making it nice again. The old gal deserves it !!! Thanks as always !!
Terry

The finish should all be the same color, inside & outside. But, the outside may have gotten a lot of sun and wear that could affect the coloration over time.

I was thinking sunlight too since the green is faded so. I’m just gonna go easy on the cleaning and start motor cleaning and grill cloth replacement for the future. With what I have I’m extremely happy with my $100 find !!!! Thanks again !!!