GEC BC4750 what colour should coppered plate be?

[Christoffrad]

The GEC BC4750 (the one with the two curved louvred sides) has a copper plated panel behind the wavechange keys. I presume, as this seems to be copper plated brass, that this plate was originally polished and laquered. They are usually seen tarnished these days. Does anybody know how it would have originally appeared?
Chris

[martin.m]

Here is a picture of one that looks to be in very good condition from the Radiomuseum site.

[Christoffrad]

That one looks to have a seriously restored cabinet which doesn't look like the original colour of wood. But there is also one shown on the vintage radio site that has an original looking case and a polished plate so I think that is how it should be. I just need to be very careful not to over polish the copper and rub through to the brass!

[MurphyNut]

Originally Posted by Christoffrad

That one looks to have a seriously restored cabinet which doesn't look like the original colour of wood.

I agree, it looks like parts of that cabinet has been stripped right back to the natural wood. These sets were always varnished to quite a dark finish.

[crackle]

There is a very clear photo of the copper escutcheon on the Radio Museum site
https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/genera...0_bc_4750.html , you need to scroll down and click on next pictures.

Mike

[music-centre]

A couple of pictures of the one on my set if its any help, it doesn't look as if its been refinished.
Steve.

[Christoffrad]

Thanks for the contributions. I think my conclusion is that it should have a fairly bright copper appearance. I once cleaned up one and noticed that the brass was just starting to show through the copper so I think it's necessary to be very careful and ensure that once the copper is carefully cleaned it is well laquered to stop tarnishing.

[crackle]

I have seen videos which seem to make DIY copper plating look very easy.

Mike