The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Now I am second guessing myself after cleaning the lid. Looks red to me.

The finish is "English Brown". I'm just wondering why this is not with your Vic 17 project thread???.Better to keep it the info all together IMHO.

Hi antique1973.

I see your point. The fact is, no matter what name you call the finish, the outside has lost a good deal of the red in it (compared to the inside of the lid.) The tone is also lighter. It looks like it could have been refinished at some point or simply bleached from the sun. The original finish under the lid is not as red as what I would call "red mahogany", but it sure is way redder than the brown mahogany finish on my VV-210. Mohawk stains and finishes makes a transparent toning lacquer spray in red mahogany that might bring back the red. I've heard good things about it, but I've never used it, so I'd probably try something less permanent like using red and black shoe polish to darken and redden the outside. Given the otherwise excellent condition of the cabinet, I'd probably try that or just live with it as-is. Good luck with this - it's looking better and better.

- Martin

Thanks Martin! George V. said he thinks its red mahogany too. I will see about
adding a little red stain to the outside eventually. At least now I know what color
my parts should be and red mahogany parts are easier to come by.

Brad

martinola wrote:Hi antique1973.

I see your point. The fact is, no matter what name you call the finish, the outside has lost a good deal of the red in it (compared to the inside of the lid.) The tone is also lighter. It looks like it could have been refinished at some point or simply bleached from the sun. The original finish under the lid is not as red as what I would call "red mahogany", but it sure is way redder than the brown mahogany finish on my VV-210. Mohawk stains and finishes makes a transparent toning lacquer spray in red mahogany that might bring back the red. I've heard good things about it, but I've never used it, so I'd probably try something less permanent like using red and black shoe polish to darken and redden the outside. Given the otherwise excellent condition of the cabinet, I'd probably try that or just live with it as-is. Good luck with this - it's looking better and better.

- Martin

It is chemically bleached and cannot be repaired. That is a real shame for such a nice phonograph.