READERS’ LETTERS

This letter is not about the quality of a restoration, per se. Rather, it deals with the disintegration of a trademark which had been ingrained into the wood of my phonograph during this process. This trademark is a critical must-have for any antique of this nature.

One of my most treasured possessions is a Graphophone phonograph with a great big horn. This is the name and trademark of an improved version of the phonograph that was invented all those years ago at the Volta Laboratory established by Alexander Graham Bell in Washington DC. The Editor’s words in the January/ February edition of Popular Mechanics said it all: ‘I love things that are made of wood, and are made well, and that serve a function.’ These are my sentiments exactly and I can only but wonder why these words weren’t foremost in the restorer’s mind when he all but rubbed away the once beautiful, colourful and striking Graphophone trademark that was ingrained into the wood, and in so doing greatly diminished the aesthetic worth and value of the item. Perhaps it was the quality of the tools of his trade that weren’t quite up to scratch, or possibly he lost focus as his workbench was all too cluttered with countless projects.

Many years have gone by, but it never escapes me that had I put together a simple set of detailed written instructions on the importance of preserving the trademark in the wood at all costs, and had it acknowledged by the restorer, I would have been spared so much anguish. In order to preserve our heirlooms in all walks of life, I can only but advance this realisation, my life’s lesson, for people to take heed of when sending their treasured possessions in for restoration or repair – it’s well worth the effort.

Keep your hit magazine coming – it’s so informative and such a great read. IRVING SCHLOSBERG

I hear you, Irving. Perhaps not everyone will understand the importance of a detail like that in a restoration, but retaining the original trademark adds that vital touch to a special piece. That said, it’s still beautiful, and I hope you don’t feel a pang of regret every time you look at it. I hope the workbench prize you’ve won for your letter submission will make you feel a bit better. – Mark, Editor