My Edison Home B cylinder phonograph restoration

[Sandy G]

Were they originally that shiny, or did they have a more "satin" finish ? Every one I've ever seen the finish has been pretty well "Shazbat", so its kinda hard to tell...In any case, GREAT job ! These things, if given any kind of care, will be working happily 125 years from now, easily...Most of our other precious toys-at least the newest ones, more than likely WON'T...Kind of a paradox there, I think...

[Bill Cahill]

Originally Posted by Sandy G

Were they originally that shiny, or did they have a more "satin" finish ? Every one I've ever seen the finish has been pretty well "Shazbat", so its kinda hard to tell...In any case, GREAT job ! These things, if given any kind of care, will be working happily 125 years from now, easily...Most of our other precious toys-at least the newest ones, more than likely WON'T...Kind of a paradox there, I think...

I have had some machines with mint original finnishes, and, report that when new the finnish was glossy.
In fact, the bedplate has aged some, and, isn't as glossy as when new, and, that's original.
Bill Cahill

[Bill Cahill]

Thanks for the compliments. I try hard to do as good a job as I can, trying to stay faithful to original finnish. I also made it dark, as, the original color was antique oak.
Does your state have a yearly antique phonograph show?
I think there's one coming up in NJ soon.
We have ours near the end of every January. Ours is in Orlando.
I've gotten some of my best deals there.
You have to know what you want, what you have to spend, and, what the value is of what you are thinking of purchasing.
I can answer individual questions if asked about a certain machine. Pictures are usually helpful, and, if on internet, links.
Always willing to help.
Bill Cahill

[Findm-Keepm]

Good Googly Moogly! What a fine collection of machines you have there, Bill. Nice restorations too!

One of my favorite "Pawn Stars" episodes includes a guy trying to sell his Edison machine. Of course, the "primer" info they give pales in comparison to this thread.

My Dad collects Victrolas - everytime someone comments about them being "the original record players" I correct them and mention the Edison cylinder machines. And of course, Dad doesn't have one. He passed up a FREE one several years ago and now realizes his mistake.

Please continue to share - I'm in envy!

Cheers,

[Bill Cahill]

Thanks. You've cheered up my day....
I will post more as time allows.
Bill Cahill