The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I picked up a really nice record cabinet project several months ago. I thought people would enjoy seeing the restoration process. I thought I had a better "as found" photo but the first photo is the best I can do. I think the cabinet was "modernized" sometime in the fifties. The claw feet were replaced with bun type feet. The fancy pull / escutcheon was removed and replaced with a simple key escutcheon. The back feet were replaced with a pair of 2x4s on edge. The inside individual record storage was replaced with a few shelves. The cabinet was refinished in a brown tone that muted the beautiful mahogany. The second photo shows the replacement escutcheon. I think the one on the left is the original. The cost for casting the replacement was about $75. I consider that a bargain. The next photo shows the replacement claw feet. The photo does not do the carving justice. They will look great when they are the same color as the rest of the cabinet. The final photo shows how the cabinet looks at the moment. I start stripping from the top and work down. That way the color from the cabinet will color the claw feet and new back feet and help them blend in with the rest of the cabinet. I'll probably apply stripper one or two more times (one section at a time) and remove with clean 0000 steel wool. The final step in the stripping process will be a good cleaning with denatured alcohol. As I make progress, I will post more photos. Jerry Blais

Beautifull cabinet Jerry. Sometimes hard to understand why people would cripple such perfection, but I guess taste changes with time. I'm looking forward to seeing more photos as you progress.
Congratulations
Andreas

Nice cabinet. As the curved platform is so large I wonder which phonograph would fit best.

Do you also collect bicycles?

WOW! I'm mesmerized by both the REALLY unique cabinet as well as the beautiful Victor. Congrats on both.

I plan to display a very late mahogany Zonophone on the cabinet. Right now the Zonophone is on the shelf squeezed between other machines. It should look spectacular on the cabinet. When I get that far, I will post a photo. Yes, I collect bicycles from the 40's through 1970 middleweights. Thanks, Jerry

I'm a little further along in the process. The first photo show the cabinet stripped and ready for stain. The second shows it stained. I use Constantines stains. It is a non grain raising stain "Red Mahogany #2435". There are warnings on the container about possible brain and nervous system problems so I use rubber gloves and apply in a well ventilated area. I probably have ten hours invested in it to this point. Jerry Blais

Here's the second photo. Jerry

Very nicely done the staining. It's looking better and better.
Thanks
Andreas

The outside of the cabinet is finished but the individual record shelves will be a winter project. I'm having a piece of glass cut for the top. Jerry Blais

The cabinet turned out really nice. Looks like you have many hours into it. Doesn't look like the same cabinet. Wish I could get enough energy to tackle mine.