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Old 25th Jan 2017, 11:43 pm   #1
Phil G4SPZ
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Default Murphy A4 three-pointed star

Has anyone succeeded in making a passable replica of the chrome three-pointed star that should adorn the centre of the speaker fret on this fine 1933 set? I am restoring one for the museum where I work as a volunteer, and our example is missing its star. It looks like this one at RM.org: http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/murphy_a4_a_4.html

I believe it's a three-dimensional design but I've not been able to study an original example at first hand. If anyone has such a set, a decent close-up photo of the star would be a good starting point.

Thanks for any advice!

Phil
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Old 26th Jan 2017, 3:02 am   #2
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Default Re: Murphy A4 three-pointed star

Now then Phil, if your neighbours Merc loses its badge one night, we know where to find it.

Would a Merc one really be that obviously "wrong", it looks very similar.
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Old 26th Jan 2017, 8:49 am   #3
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Default Re: Murphy A4 three-pointed star

I had considered that, Sam, but not being skilled at petty car crime I discounted the idea. Besides, my neighbour only drives a Renault!

But your helpful suggestion has prompted me to look for Merc badges and, surprisingly to me, they're readily available at reasonable prices and in many sizes. I'll have to cut away the outer circle, but I may well take that route!
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Old 26th Jan 2017, 11:58 am   #4
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Default Re: Murphy A4 three-pointed star

Phil,is this any good to you, its a real one.....its been in my "that will be useful even if I never use it" box for some time!
PM me your address and I'll get it off to you.
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Old 26th Jan 2017, 12:16 pm   #5
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Default Re: Murphy A4 three-pointed star

Dave, that is wonderful! Most generous of you. I will PM you later this evening.
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Old 26th Jan 2017, 1:02 pm   #6
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Default Re: Murphy A4 three-pointed star

As an interesting aside Phil, the orientation of the star is shown in James Reeve's excellent book on Russell & Minns cabinet designs (see below) and most examples out there, including mine, have the star fitted that way.

http://www.classicwireless.co.uk/Murphy_A4.htm

http://www.thevalvepage.com/radios/murphy/a4/a4.htm

But this on is different and perhaps looks better?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/ahistoryofthewo...RJ2EgqGZ0QkRJQ

.
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Old 26th Jan 2017, 7:53 pm   #7
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Default Re: Murphy A4 three-pointed star

Dave Grant's murphy website has an original brochure for the A4 and it's shown with the star as per Colin's picture/thumbnail.
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Old 26th Jan 2017, 9:02 pm   #8
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Default Re: Murphy A4 three-pointed star

Dave, you have a PM.

Colin and Kevin, thanks for confirming the correct orientation for the star. I tend to agree that alignment in-line with the speaker fret bars looks logical, neat and less susceptible to damage, but in the interest of authenticity it will be fitted as per the Murphy brochure.

Very many thanks to everyone for contributing to the successful outcome of this thread
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Old 8th Feb 2017, 12:29 pm   #9
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Default Re: Murphy A4 three-pointed star

Just to close this thread, here is the A4 finally completed with its new speaker cloth, and gleaming decorative star courtesy of Dave.

Thank you very much!

Phil
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Old 8th Feb 2017, 12:53 pm   #10
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Default Re: Murphy A4 three-pointed star

Excellent finish Phil, how was it achieved?
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Old 8th Feb 2017, 1:12 pm   #11
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Default Re: Murphy A4 three-pointed star

No idea, Sam, but it looks a bit like Danish Oil. That radio has been here since Day One. I think it was acquired in partially-restored and working condition, although the speaker cloth was totally rotten and the star was missing. It has been in the round-tuit pile until recently. The chassis works fine, although there are some replacement smoothing capacitors hanging untidily below the chassis, but that will have to wait until the rush is over... my next project here is a 1936 McMichael 364, once I've finished the Westminster chiming clock they've asked me to look at!
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Old 9th Feb 2017, 1:18 am   #12
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Default Re: Murphy A4 three-pointed star

Ding Dong!
I have done a few cabinets with Danish Oil, it gives a good finish but needs several coats.
The problem I have is my wood turning mate in the workshop, the dust gets everywhere and with the oil taking a while to set hard its difficult to get a finish as good as that set. The last one I did was a Cossor 348 that had been painted black. Stripping was a task and a half without going through the veneer, by then the grain was very open and obvious, must have put 8 or more coats on it but it did come out well in the end. I may try buffing it up when I get back, its had a year or more to harden.
That of yours looks well buffed up, smart.
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Old 9th Feb 2017, 8:49 am   #13
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Default Re: Murphy A4 three-pointed star

Thanks very much!

One other good thing about Danish Oil is that it seems to withstand the effect of sunlight, and doesn't fade, crack or craze. I re-finished a 1939 Ever Ready battery set which has been in Griptons front window for three years and it still looks good.

I'm a big fan of Danish Oil when complete refinishing is tackled. I found a product called Liberon Burnishing Cream which brings it up to a very attractive sheen once the oil has fully hardened. My colleague Len is skilled in french polishing. I've learned from him how to do it and french polished a couple of sets myself, but one of them has already started to deteriorate in the sunlight that comes through the workshop window.
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