Weekend score. XVI in walnut

[antique1973]

Got a great deal on this machine today. The gold plating on the interior hardware blew
me away - very minimal oxidation. The rear leg was broken off but fortunately the seller
had the missing piece. If the tilt looks odd its because I have it propped up until the JB weld
dries. Only significant problem is the left door on the bottom. It must have got wet somehow
and some veneer was destroyed. I blended it in best I could with walnut Howards but I would like
to do better. Any ideas? All I can think of is wood putty then try to match it best I can.

[Skihawx]

Nice machine. This was the only type of Walnut available after / during WW-I. The
war seriously impacted the supply Circassian Walnut.

[Flvice]

Nice find... I've never tackled veneer.. My guess would be to find a smallpeice of matching walnet veneer .. glue in, sand lightly blend in with shellac or whatever was used previously? Beautiful Victrola though

[JohnM]

My god . . .NOT wood putty! If you've never matched and repaired veneer, it may be worth it in the long run to take it to a qualified wood restorer in your area. This isn't a good piece to learn on! Also, JB Weld is an odd choice for gluing wood together. I would have recommended TiteBond wood glue and clamps. You did clamp the repair didn't you? If you didn't, the joint will fail no matter what you used.

[Jerry B.]

Wonderful machine! Your veneer repair needs the touch of an artist whether it is done by matching veneers or filled and colored by an expert with colors and a touch of paint. Either method needs to be done by an expert so the end result is seamless. If I had an upright with a broken leg, I would be tempted to get the advice of an expert. The repaired leg needs to be as strong as the others and perhaps stronger. I would think a dowel or rod connecting the two pieces would be a better repair than even the very best glue. Happy collecting, Jerry

[Henry]

My god . . .NOT wood putty! If you've never matched and repaired veneer, it may be worth it in the long run to take it to a qualified wood restorer in your area. This isn't a good piece to learn on! Also, JB Weld is an odd choice for gluing wood together. I would have recommended TiteBond wood glue and clamps. You did clamp the repair didn't you? If you didn't, the joint will fail no matter what you used.

Ditto! Titebond w/clamp(s) for sure, and nobody but a professional (one who knows what he's doing---not always the case!) should touch that veneer repair. This is a gorgeous machine!!!

[SignatureSeriesOwner]

Very nice. I love the walnut, but the machine itself seems a bit basic, does it not? I own a 17 and it is much more ornate than the 16 is. I've seen some earlier 16's that seem more "upscale" than that one. Maybe it's just me.


On the gold plating, I had very good luck (as in, all my gold plating looks brand new) using #0000 steel wool and very lightly polishing the gold plating. You'll be surprised how well it works.

[phonogfp]

I do love pretty wood! That's a nice one. I agree with others who recommend a professional to do the veneer repair. You'll be much happier in the long run.

I sent you a PM.

George P.

[antique1973]

Thanks for the advice and kind words guys! I think its a good idea to have a pro do the
veneer repair. The rest of the machine is in very good shape so its worth the cost to
get it done right. I clamped the leg after using the JB weld so I am pretty sure its
not going anywhere. The machine came with a complete set of albums as well.
I will post some more pics when I get back from some errands.

[antique1973]

Very nice. I love the walnut, but the machine itself seems a bit basic, does it not? I own a 17 and it is much more ornate than the 16 is. I've seen some earlier 16's that seem more "upscale" than that one. Maybe it's just me.


On the gold plating, I had very good luck (as in, all my gold plating looks brand new) using #0000 steel wool and very lightly polishing the gold plating. You'll be surprised how well it works.

Thanks, I still like the cabinet style although I agree a 17 or 18 in walnut would be even more
beautiful.