If it were mine, I'd hone in my refinnishing skills, and, totally re finnish it.
Save the dings as memories, if there is any veneer dammage, fix that.
But, I'd say totally restore it, inside, and, out. Don't re finnish inside.
But, do a good job cleanning chassis, tubes, etc. Clean the phonograph very well, If you don't want to use phonograph, you don't have to restore it.
But, if it were mine, I'd do a bang up job restoring it in her memory.
If I may here, let me tell you this true story...
Many years ago my Polish Grandfather gave me his old GE Upright late 30's art deco radio. Model J-805.
It was pretty torn up. I picked up another different model with same chassis.
I took all the needed parts from it, repaired original, and, re built chassis.
Due to room problems storing it in small apartment I was renting at the time, I stored it in the basement.
Unfortuanately, a rotten tennant decided he needed the special speaker for it more than I did, and, stole it.
I got so stupidly mad, I threw out the radio.
That was really dumb.
A few years ago, I paid a horendous price for another same model radio. Over 300.00 in trade, and, cash.
Obviously, he saw me coming.
However, re re capped chassis. It's got other issues I haven't gotten around to fixing yet.
In the meantime, due to old age, the cardboard antenna barel fell apart.
It just plain rotted!
Now, I have to re build the barel. I will, but, it won't have alot of the original fancy stuff on it, though I am painting it the same color, and, will put some decoration on it.
What I'm trying to point out here is the fact that this model radio has alot of memories in it of my Grandfather. He always had it playing in his own private room.
I want to get this one going as well as I can so I have the memory.
The same thing with my finally finnishing repair work on restored RCA Victor tv.
Alot of memories sitting in front of family set watching cartoons, programs, sit coms, etc.....
Memories are important.
Nothing wrong with having some little reminders that we can even make more memories of for others, and, ourselves.
Just my opinion.....
Bill Cahill