Posted 7 years ago
SpiritBear
(813 items)
I was unable to save the decal under the paint (I didn't know that there was one until I began stripping paint), but thanks to member Fort Apache finding a nearly identical box, plus other members agreeing with our guesses, I feel confident that this is an early 1900s Western Electric Bell Box, and proceeded to purchase a reproduction label.
The bells were the hardest part to refinish. I attempted to strip them thrice-- the third time, I soaked them for 24 hours in the stripper, then tried to scrape off the paint. But the paint was so incredibly stubborn that it took a lot of low-grit paper and muscle-power to get through the last of the world's most stubborn paint. Even after that, though, the bells had been gouged before their last paint job, so they're still not totally smoothed (I used three types of sand paper/blocks and a lot of polish to make them shine again).
After reconnecting the wires, it works just fine with a clear, piercing ring. The stain I used, I think, accentuates the wood grains without making the box look redone. I think it captures as close as possible, what the box looked like before it had been painted some years ago.
I also repainted a couple pieces of it. Photos one and two I experimentally removed the colour from most of the background and have decided I like how photos turn out after that; expect further posts like that in the future.
No, the W. E. label is straight. But the photo was taken from a bad angle.
Turned out great, How much do ya charge an hour? ;p
Great job on that. Nice candlestick too.
You did a great job.
Nicely done.
Political Pinbacks, LOL. This is not a job I'd want to do daily. I had intended to make the bells black originally, but my enamel paint kept bubbling up on the brass. So too did the primer. Not sure why.
Fort Apache, thank you. The candlestick is black and brass, but it needs redone also. Maybe later.... LOL.
Blunderbuss, thank you. I also cleaned out the mechanics as best I could without disassembly, and then oiled them. So it should last another 100 years.
PhonoBoy, you'll be happy to know that I'm attempting to fix the mechanics on the record player of mine. When I opened it up, all the brass and steel gears were black with a thick sludge. I had to spray it out (it's now in the sun, drying) as they had stopped up the works. LOL.
I'm going to use a motor oil on them, though, as I'm guessing it was originally intended for a thicker oil.
your a master restorer SpiritBear the grain of the wood has come up lovely !!!!!!!!
Thank you, Malkey. I used to work with wood when younger, but it's been several years.
Most people would walk away from this item in its original condition Spirit, but your perseverance paid off... beautiful job!
Thank you, Rick. When I saw it at an estate sale, though, I snatched it up. All I had was, I think, a $20 bill, and it was more than worth it to me even as it sat in their basement.
I am glad to hear that. The only lube the gears need is a dab of all purpose grease, or even just petroleum jelly. Email me some pics. I'll asist you if you need it. Stay away from 3 in 1, it gums up. Use sewing machine oil.
Thank you, Phonoboy. I was gonna use a SAE 20 motor oil, but the thought of petroleum jelly had crossed my mind. I think I'll go with the petroleum jelly instead.