Just purchased this old radio

I would be inclined to get one of those magic erasers and use that (only just damp) to gently work on the cabinet; following that, maybe something like Lord Sheraton furniture wax to buff it up?

Internals - I agree wholeheartedly with the advice to discharge the valves and condensers to ground before getting too involved - - a long shanked electrical screw driver is one way to do it (assuming you can find a discharge point), or another old trick is to fit a 13A plug (NO FUSE) with a single core of wire connected to the earth pin (ABSOLUTELY NO OTHER CONNECTIONS) and then strap the other end of the wire to an electrical screw driver which should give a good discharge path.

The very first thing I would be doing internally is getting a fine, natural hair paintbrush (don't be tempted by the cheaper synthetic ones as they can create static charge), and give it a thorough clean by holding a vacuum cleaner nozzle near to the area you are brushing.

Then, you could get your meter out and have a bit of a testing session....

Have you any suggestion that it might not be working, or is its providence totally unknown?

 

PS - I reckon you are spot on with your model number, which should help you find service data etc.

Don't be too hasty to give up on the old girl, there is a good deal of satisfaction from plodding your way through a job like this and knowing that it is absolutely bang on at the end.

There is some really good advice to be had here and it appears that they have a forum too, where you will get guidance and encouragement.

Two other tips if I may - take photos at every stage; you will amaze yourself when you look back at the end. And try to stick to original sheath colouring (or as near as you can) for the wiring - any old colour will work, but being close to original is something that will catch a proper enthusiasts eye, particularly if you do choose to sell it as refurbished (the photos help here too)

 

As kids we used to make Crystal radios using 'Cat's Whiskers'. I was a little too late to pick up radio 2LO

 

As per our PM, and just in case anyone reads this on a search in the future:

NEVER power up an unknown like this - if you are lucky you will get some smoke or maybe a bang, but you could end up with condensers exploding or suffering a severe electrical shock (I think the potential for it being fatal is classed as severe).

ALL caps and valves should be tested and/or changed - - if in doubt, oik it out! Modern caps are going to have different voltage ratings than these old fellows; the rule of thumb generally is to replace with identical capacitance value and a higher voltage rating (275v replaced with 600v new, 350v replaced with 1000v new).

If you sell it as untested, I would be inclined to make sure the buyer is fully aware that they must not power it up until it has been thoroughly tested and refurbished - I cannot over emphasise the risk of applying AC to something of this age that may not have been used for decades; just as you wouldn't take a vintage lawn mower and simply start using it without lubricating it, checking the engine over, inspecting the HT lead etc, you should never attempt to use an old electrical item without proper checks.

Sadly, I have not worked with anything electrical/electronic (except my own stuff) for around 20 years, so I am more than a little rusty, and would not class myself as a suitable person to advise on refurbishment of something like this. Whilst the refurbishment is not all that difficult (the key is to work cleanly and methodically), I would still STRONGLY advise that you seek advice from someone who is well practised with this type of equipment (such as those on the forum linked to earlier).

I still think that this could be a nice, longer term 'hobby' project - more of a keeper than a fast turn around.

Stay safe!

EDIT - looking back at those photos, I think I can see white marking on the inside of at least two valves? If that is the case, they are shot - the white marking means that the vacuum has gone, and they are effectively knackered.

 

Well done that man! I suppose the good thing about people purchasing something like that is that they are pretty certain to be an enthusiast of some sort, and their aim will be to restore it rather that skip it - so I'd say there is a better than average chance that the old lady will be back in service at some point in the future

 

To be honest, I wouldn't have a clue nowadays - - I'd imagine that there is probably a cottage industry somewhere rewinding existing ones, or possibly making/selling a suitable equivalent.