W-250 in rough shape. Worth restoring?

[joelr]

Long time lurker, first time poster. Been interested in the Edison Phonographs for some time with a main interest in the cabinetry of some of the older models. I have the opportunity to purchase a W-250 that works. I'm sure it has seen water as every panel has delaminated - inside and out. Top cover core is physically warped. Some of the piping is broken off. Horn cover panel will need completely remade. The cabinet is very rough. Anyone taken one of these completely apart and restored it? Price is $150 and comes with 75 records in varying conditions - nothing extraordinarily rare - and two reproducers (not sure if that is normal). I do woodworking and have plenty of Walnut on hand so material and creating laminates is not an issue.  Serial number SM881 if that has any bearing on things.

[lucius1958]

Sounds like a labor of love! A proper cabinet restoration would probably set you back far more than $150 (considering the condition, it's probably too much to pay). Most restorers would wait for something in slightly better condition... It's your choice, however. Good luck!

- BillS

[joelr]

Thanks Bill. I agree but decided to take the leap anyway. Worst-case scenario, I have two original reproducers with good diamonds which could cover the cost of the machine. Cost of restoration would be only my time as most everything is there. Pull out drawer puts it no newer than 1918 and the low serial number probably puts it in 1917. Should be a fun project if the smell of old smoke soaked into shellac doesn't kill me. Cleaning the disks to usable condition should keep me out of trouble for a couple of months too.