I got this 70 from K-town and am debating whether to refinish the cabinet.
I GoJo'd it and it came much cleaner but I think someone did something to the finish. If it is original should I leave it?
It looks kinda crappy and I dont think it looks original but you tell me if you think it is original or If I should strip... The base needs a strip and re-tone I think at the least.
FWIW, I have 2 70's and the veneer on the back arch/case has a beautiful bookmatched figure that on your radio looks to have been covered with brushed on varnish stain. If that is the case, then I would defiantly refinish it as to see the figure in the veneer.
The two bottom knobs I think are OK, it is the middle which probably not even Philco, and the top that should be large rosette?
And in some 70 all three bottom knobs can be small ones.
What to do depends on what your plans for the radio are. I tend to agree with Chuck. I am sure that you can make it look better. But are you going to keep it or sell it? My self I hate to see old radios that look over done. It's really a matter of how you feel.
Henry
Try some alcohol on it, they may have slobbed shellac all over the original lacquer. You really have nothing to loose by trying it, I had a radio with a blotchy yellowish look, even after the Gojo treatment, tried some rubbing alcohol on it and it came off revealing the original finish underneath.
Regards
Arran