[cwirth]

I am considering purchasing a Philco cathedral model 18. It appears that it has been refinished but the cabinet stain on the sides does not look too close to the original finish. The front looks better. Maybe it is the flash from the camera that is making the finish look light in color. Any thoughts about this radio and whether the finish looks to non-original? Thanks, Charlie

[Steve Davis]

Charlie, whoever refinished the cabinet used stain rather than toned lacquer to darken the wood. Philco used a cheep plywood, most likely fir for the wrap-around on these cabinets and finished them with a dark toned lacquer to make it look like walnut.

Steve

[cwirth]

Steve thanks for the reply. Do you think Howard's Retore-It walnut finish would have any effect to darken the wood?

[Steve Davis]

I think nothing short of a strip and refinish will do but, you could try, nothing lost.

Steve