Here's another fine radio you don't see to often a 509 Atwater Kent, this is JOE The Zenithmans radio, after he saw mine that I did a couple years ago he got himself one to keep and restore for himself. Last 2 pictures is my 509 I did a few years ago in high gloss piano finish..

Very Nice!

Beautiful. I love how it displays the different shades of the grain. Excellent job.

Freeman

Dear God! that's a beautiful job!

I think the high gloss looks pretty darn good on that radio. Great job.

Thanks for the complements , the shinny 509 is mine and is not the one I'm refinishing in this post, this one is shown here and its done, This 509 is done in the satin finish which could be closer to the original finish that was on it from factory. My shinny 509 shown was what I wanted although before I stripped mine it looked like it was near a high gloss from factory, I don't know if that was an option of gloss level that Atwater offered for the high end console.. Ether way both satin and high gloss look great for the 509. This radio belongs to Joe The zenithman from Tennessee .

Superb Fred, simply superb. Looks a lot better than when I brought it to you. The new shop is like a new palette for the Master!

Hello Fred,
nice job and Joe what beautiful set you have I love it's design .

Sincerely Rich

Well, the first one looks good. The second one might be ok if you buff it out.

No buff on that would allow rubbing compound to get into any pores not completely filled in the wood grain, if higher level of gloss is desired I would scuff and re clear the cabinet with higher gloss lacquer.

I don't think the question of original factory finish will ever be settled. We simply weren't there to observe and prove a point, so the best we can do is guess. I don't know whether any or all manufacturers put on high gloss or semi-gloss or satin finishes on their radios when sold brand new. I have seen a lot of radios in pretty good original shape and most of them looked to me like they had a semi-gloss or satin finish. I have done a couple in high gloss and thy just don't look original to me. But what do I know!

My preference is semi-gloss lacquer and whether or not it approximates the original finish (I think it does) that's what I use when I refinish a cabinet. And I asked Fred to put that on this one.

Won't settle the debate, but radios are like women, we don't all prefer blondes or red heads.

Well, there are books. So "we" do know.

Also, even a flat finish should have the grain filled.

Yes without grain filler even with flat gloss level wouldn't look too good. I wonder how the factory took care of that problem, filling the grain for a smooth finish? Most radios I find that have never been touched seem to have a semi gloss that has crazed over the years but you can still see the gloss level ok. With layers of wax buildup on some cabinets. I think with semi gloss you cant go wrong.

As I said the grain should be filled even for semi-gloss.

For those that have issues with a gloss finish, this is usually due to poor craftsmanship in the preparation. If the veneers are not flat, you will see it. If the panels are warped, you will see it. If the grain is not filled, you will see it. I have often heard that a gloss finish looks "wavy' or 'like a bad mirror'. This would be due to the prep issues.

Understanding that these things need to be done near perfectly is why many amateurs, lacking tools and skills will use a flat-er finish. Professionals purchase so little gloss lacquer anymore that it is hard to find. Can you guess why they don't like it? MORE WORK. They prefer a "distressed finish" where any mistake is "intentional".

Looking at an 80 year old LACQUER finish to judge tone and gloss would be the equivalent of doing the same with an automotive finish. BUT, like with the car, you can wet-sand and polish to make a better judgement - try it.

I think that a lot of "finishers" hope that if they say radios were semi-gloss enough times it will become true - there is a lot of that today.

So it really comes down to ability, determination and expense. If you plan to skimp on any of these - go with semi-gloss. If you need proof of factory finishes there are a lot of pictures and period publications stating the gloss level. Study a few of those.

For me, I am going to stop giving free advise, after all, I no longer offer finishing services. But I still do appraisals.

Good luck