Gold Plating on Edison Hardware

[wvphonoguy]

I want to get some of the "gold" hardware on my H-19 Diamond Disk Phonograph replated. Can anyone recommend a plating shop that can do this type of finish? Is it, in fact, gold plating or a satin brass with a clear protective coating? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[lucius1958]

Did H-19s ever have gold plated hardware? From what I've read, the factory finish was nickel.......

[maroongem]

All the H-19s I've seen had gold plated hardware. As far as having the metalwork re-plated, it would probably be cheaper in theory to get better condition replacements opposed to re-plating due to the high cost of gold.

Bill

[wvphonoguy]

Thanks for the replies. The H-19 was called the "Hepplewhite" model. It has the Fleur-de-lis style grille. All that I've seen have the gold plating. I agree that finding parts in better condition would be the way to go, but I really want to get a few parts replated. Is the plating real gold? How was the satin finish obtained? I have only seen bright gold plating. Does anyone know a plater who can duplicate the finish? I can't find anyone to do it at any price. I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has ever had gold hardware replated.

[maroongem]

The plating was more than likely real gold, considering the era when it was done. It may have even been a wash instead of the more durable plating process as it was lacquered afterwards.
You should be able to Google platers in your area and go from there. I had a local plater that I used for years but he closed due to the high cost of disposal of the chemicals that they used.
The satin finish was obtained by using a coarser wheel when buffing the metal prior to plating, if I'm not mistaken.
You may even consider brass plating as it would be considerably cheaper!

Bill

[wvphonoguy]

Thanks Bill. I appreciate your help. I was considering brass plating, but wasn't going to mention it unless someone else did. I always like to do things as close to the way it was done at the factory, when practical. I've been looking online at some gold plating kits for hobbyists. I'd love to hear comments from someone who has used one of these kits.

Jerry Watson

[gibsonj]

Jerry

Here are a couple of plating links. The first is a plating service, but as Bill said, it'll probably be expensive.

www.nashvilleplatingservice.com/

This one is in case you might want to try your hand at plating yourself:

www.caswellplating.com/

Good luck with your project.

John

[martinola]

Jerry,
I'll second what the other guys are saying. I had the gold plating re-done on my Credenza about 10 years ago. It cost over $350 then. So, I'd be prepared to pay a lot more than that now. If you do go that route, be prepared to have a long talk with the plater about replicating the satin finish. (My plater wanted to talk me into doing the mirror finish.) In the end I got what I wanted, but it probably added more prep time into my final bill.

Depending on what parts you need done, you might try an alternative. It's a dirty little secret: gold spray paint. I restored a C-19, but ran out of money. The main problem was the rusty turntable. I finally opted to paint the turntable until I could afford proper plating. In my opinion, the result was more than acceptable. I often forget that it's paint.

If I'm ever in the chips again, I may go ahead and replate, but I'm in no rush. Good luck on your project!
- Martin

[wvphonoguy]

Thanks guys. I'm going to get a kit and try my hand at doing the plating myself. If it turns out well, I'll post some pictures. If it doesn't,...........well...I may just keep that to myself.

Jerry