Shenandoah Antique Restoration
Dealers and Restorers of Steamer Trunks,
Antique Phonographs, & Restoration Hardware
Dealers and Restorers of Steamer Trunks,
Antique Phonographs, & Restoration Hardware
| Comments and Reference letters from some of our past customers Read what people are saying about the services and products at Shenandoah Restoration!!! |
| Telephone: 1-800-575-1960 Email: Info@shenandoahrestora tion |
February 15, 2005
RE: Columbia Phonograph
Dear Mr. Daniel:
We got the old Columbia Phonograph back about a week ago and I am still in shock over how
good it looks and how well it plays.
Frankly, I had about decided to send it to the dump. But I just could not do that. This old
phonograph has a lot of sentimental value to it. It belonged to my grandparents who bought
it about 1915. My dad, who was born in 1920 and is now gone, used to talk about it being in the
Parlor of the old farm home where he was raised. His sisters taught him to dance to music
from the old Columbia phonograph.
I could not believe what I saw when I opened the boxes from your shop. There was the old
phonograph all shiny and looking as good as, if not better than, the day it was new. The old
horn shines like a new silver dollar and the case looks like brand new. No one could ever
tell it had been in a fire or badly water damaged.
IT IS JUST AMAZING.
And the sound quality is amazing too. We had to do some digging in some boxes in the basement
and finally unearthed some of the old Blue Bird records. They play beautifully.
Please feel free to use my name as a reference and tell any potential customers that they
are more than welcome to contact me. And if any of them come out to Maryland and want to
hear an old record played on a better than new Columbia phonograph, I will be happy for
them to sit in our living room and listen as much as they want.
Sincerely yours,
J. Browning
Maryland
RE: Columbia Phonograph
Dear Mr. Daniel:
We got the old Columbia Phonograph back about a week ago and I am still in shock over how
good it looks and how well it plays.
Frankly, I had about decided to send it to the dump. But I just could not do that. This old
phonograph has a lot of sentimental value to it. It belonged to my grandparents who bought
it about 1915. My dad, who was born in 1920 and is now gone, used to talk about it being in the
Parlor of the old farm home where he was raised. His sisters taught him to dance to music
from the old Columbia phonograph.
I could not believe what I saw when I opened the boxes from your shop. There was the old
phonograph all shiny and looking as good as, if not better than, the day it was new. The old
horn shines like a new silver dollar and the case looks like brand new. No one could ever
tell it had been in a fire or badly water damaged.
IT IS JUST AMAZING.
And the sound quality is amazing too. We had to do some digging in some boxes in the basement
and finally unearthed some of the old Blue Bird records. They play beautifully.
Please feel free to use my name as a reference and tell any potential customers that they
are more than welcome to contact me. And if any of them come out to Maryland and want to
hear an old record played on a better than new Columbia phonograph, I will be happy for
them to sit in our living room and listen as much as they want.
Sincerely yours,
J. Browning
Maryland
Hello Gary,
The trunk arrived safely yesterday and you and your staff did a wonderful job on it
inside and out. I never thought it could look that good. It is the oldest trunk we have
and also the best looking although I have been completely satisfied with all of the
other work you have done. Please feel free to use pictures of any of the work you
have done for me if it will enhance your marketing effort. You may also use my
comments if they are helpful. This is your third trunk for me and they just keep getting
better.
Thank you so much.
B.Whitehead
Virginia
The trunk arrived safely yesterday and you and your staff did a wonderful job on it
inside and out. I never thought it could look that good. It is the oldest trunk we have
and also the best looking although I have been completely satisfied with all of the
other work you have done. Please feel free to use pictures of any of the work you
have done for me if it will enhance your marketing effort. You may also use my
comments if they are helpful. This is your third trunk for me and they just keep getting
better.
Thank you so much.
B.Whitehead
Virginia
Perfect condition and a beautiful job,
thank you so much,
Mike
thank you so much,
Mike
Hi, I stand and just stare at the trunk. Its still old, you didn't take out the "age" of it.
It looks like it just came off the Titanic. But its as sturdy and strong as a new trunk.
Something that I've never seen in my lifetime with this trunk around. My daughter and
granddaughter (who will be the inheritor of this trunk) are equally amazed. Because
they've only seen it old, falling apart, in the garage, etc. You guys did a wonderful job
on this trunk. Its beautiful.
It looks like it just came off the Titanic. But its as sturdy and strong as a new trunk.
Something that I've never seen in my lifetime with this trunk around. My daughter and
granddaughter (who will be the inheritor of this trunk) are equally amazed. Because
they've only seen it old, falling apart, in the garage, etc. You guys did a wonderful job
on this trunk. Its beautiful.
Gary,
Good to visit with you again. I just wanted to take the time to tell you that I have
really inspected the old Edison Amberola - 30 in detail since I have returned home. I
want you to know how pleased I am with your work and your very intimate attention to
detail. The old phonograph (can't hardly call it old anymore) is in excellent condition,
both aesthetically and mechanically, thanks to your effort. The sound that it
reproduces, is amazing. I do not remember it ever sounding or looking this good, all the
while preserving the authenticity of the machine.
Gary, You are a true artisan, and do excellent work, and it is appreciated. I would be
willing to wager the old machine is in better condition now than when new. Please
feel free to use me and/or this statement should you need me as an additional business
reference in the future.
N. Davis
Arkansas
Good to visit with you again. I just wanted to take the time to tell you that I have
really inspected the old Edison Amberola - 30 in detail since I have returned home. I
want you to know how pleased I am with your work and your very intimate attention to
detail. The old phonograph (can't hardly call it old anymore) is in excellent condition,
both aesthetically and mechanically, thanks to your effort. The sound that it
reproduces, is amazing. I do not remember it ever sounding or looking this good, all the
while preserving the authenticity of the machine.
Gary, You are a true artisan, and do excellent work, and it is appreciated. I would be
willing to wager the old machine is in better condition now than when new. Please
feel free to use me and/or this statement should you need me as an additional business
reference in the future.
N. Davis
Arkansas
Following your advice and suggestions, I am now through the teardown phase,
through oiling the oak strips, and half-way with re-plating the metal hardware.
Very happy with the brass tacks and etc. that you have so far sent this way. Thanks
for the rapid response.
During the course of the work so far, one fact has become very clear to me............the
prices you charge for doing one of these trunks, and doing it right, is far TOO LITTLE,
considering the work and time involved. Especially, I have come to agree with your
philosophy of taking the trunks back to their approximate original condition,
understanding that they will never again be used for travel. I shall nonetheless
attempt to get it back to original materials, and avoid the art deco look of paint and
natural pine.
Other sites have been informative, but yours is the source for all true direction on
these old items, and please feel free to include this endorsement in your company
testimonials.
I wish all of you there a Happy Season and a Joyful New Year.
James P.
Nevada
through oiling the oak strips, and half-way with re-plating the metal hardware.
Very happy with the brass tacks and etc. that you have so far sent this way. Thanks
for the rapid response.
During the course of the work so far, one fact has become very clear to me............the
prices you charge for doing one of these trunks, and doing it right, is far TOO LITTLE,
considering the work and time involved. Especially, I have come to agree with your
philosophy of taking the trunks back to their approximate original condition,
understanding that they will never again be used for travel. I shall nonetheless
attempt to get it back to original materials, and avoid the art deco look of paint and
natural pine.
Other sites have been informative, but yours is the source for all true direction on
these old items, and please feel free to include this endorsement in your company
testimonials.
I wish all of you there a Happy Season and a Joyful New Year.
James P.
Nevada
Hello!
A few months ago I ordered some supplies from your website in order to take on my
first-time trunk restoration project. The "tips" page of your website was invaluable to
me, and became the "instruction manual" I used throughout the project. At one point, I
became "stuck" as I was unfamiliar with how to replace the rivets. I called your 800
number and was immediately helped by a very friendly staff member. I cannot thank you
guys enough for the help I received with this project. I am a woodworker, and have
restored many pieces of wooden furniture... but this trunk was a whole new ballgame.
I think it turned out extremely well for my first time, and I hope to do more in the future.
I have attached some pictures of the trunk before, in progress, and after restoration.
Your store played a part in this undertaking, so I thought you may be interested to see
the results.
Just thought you might be interested to see what your customers are up to. Please feel
free to offer any feedback or suggestions for my future projects. Thanks again for
all the help!
Sincerely,
W. Holby
A few months ago I ordered some supplies from your website in order to take on my
first-time trunk restoration project. The "tips" page of your website was invaluable to
me, and became the "instruction manual" I used throughout the project. At one point, I
became "stuck" as I was unfamiliar with how to replace the rivets. I called your 800
number and was immediately helped by a very friendly staff member. I cannot thank you
guys enough for the help I received with this project. I am a woodworker, and have
restored many pieces of wooden furniture... but this trunk was a whole new ballgame.
I think it turned out extremely well for my first time, and I hope to do more in the future.
I have attached some pictures of the trunk before, in progress, and after restoration.
Your store played a part in this undertaking, so I thought you may be interested to see
the results.
Just thought you might be interested to see what your customers are up to. Please feel
free to offer any feedback or suggestions for my future projects. Thanks again for
all the help!
Sincerely,
W. Holby
Gary, Just want to tell you how much Ron and I love our trunk. It is beautiful. We
hope to get another one from you soon.
Ron and Dee
hope to get another one from you soon.
Ron and Dee
Gary...Received the trunk today...it is perfect...I love the way you restored it...it looks
like it looked when it was made...Thanks again.
Carole
like it looked when it was made...Thanks again.
Carole
Gary,
I cannot believe what a wonderful job you have done.... Every last detail of my trunk
seems to have been given your full attention...
Your skill and hard work have made my trunk even more special and wonderful.
Elisabeth
I cannot believe what a wonderful job you have done.... Every last detail of my trunk
seems to have been given your full attention...
Your skill and hard work have made my trunk even more special and wonderful.
Elisabeth
Thanks again so much for the painstaking mechanical restoration of the VV 4-3
Victrola. Remarkable that after all these years, that these machines can be made to
play and have a reasonable sound.
Few have the good fortune of having brand new 78's (mine were in a box for over 75
years un-played!) But with these records and the machine, I can easily understand how
recorded music changed the country and how it was reflected back - through the
wider array of recordings.
The machine as restored is simply a marvel to look at, and the performance is so much
better than we expected, as we originally thought of the Victrola as something to look
at and not really play. We no longer feel that way.
Your machine is not complete without a service and restoration call to Shenandoah
Restoration.
A. Ziehr
Victrola. Remarkable that after all these years, that these machines can be made to
play and have a reasonable sound.
Few have the good fortune of having brand new 78's (mine were in a box for over 75
years un-played!) But with these records and the machine, I can easily understand how
recorded music changed the country and how it was reflected back - through the
wider array of recordings.
The machine as restored is simply a marvel to look at, and the performance is so much
better than we expected, as we originally thought of the Victrola as something to look
at and not really play. We no longer feel that way.
Your machine is not complete without a service and restoration call to Shenandoah
Restoration.
A. Ziehr
Dear Gary,
The Calvert Woman's Club, sponsor of the Katy Hamman-Stricker Women's Heritage
Center in Calvert, Texas, is so pleased with the Columbia Graphophone and traveling
record case you recently restored to perfection. You did a wonderful job; you
brought back the ambiance of the period with your restoration. When the music fills
the building, it will be like being back in 1909. The ladies of that period and we of the
new period thank you so very much for attention to every detail including the
instructions. You have put the finishing touches on our restoration of the only
restored American Woman's League building in existence.
Please use my endorsement as a reference and any potential customer may contact me.
Cindy Delulio
Restoration Chair
Katy Hamman-Stricker Women's Heritage Center
Calvert, Texas
The Calvert Woman's Club, sponsor of the Katy Hamman-Stricker Women's Heritage
Center in Calvert, Texas, is so pleased with the Columbia Graphophone and traveling
record case you recently restored to perfection. You did a wonderful job; you
brought back the ambiance of the period with your restoration. When the music fills
the building, it will be like being back in 1909. The ladies of that period and we of the
new period thank you so very much for attention to every detail including the
instructions. You have put the finishing touches on our restoration of the only
restored American Woman's League building in existence.
Please use my endorsement as a reference and any potential customer may contact me.
Cindy Delulio
Restoration Chair
Katy Hamman-Stricker Women's Heritage Center
Calvert, Texas
The trunk is PERFECT and I hope to surprise my brother with it this weekend. I get many
compliments on the first trunk you all did and now as this one sits in my office, I have many
admirers.
I am so glad I found your web site. The best one, I came across. You truly are a man of
your words, craftsmanship and I appreciate you and your business so very much.
Thank you just doesn’t seem like enough. If I ever need another trunk restored, I will know
who to call first!!! Take care.
C. Zinniger
compliments on the first trunk you all did and now as this one sits in my office, I have many
admirers.
I am so glad I found your web site. The best one, I came across. You truly are a man of
your words, craftsmanship and I appreciate you and your business so very much.
Thank you just doesn’t seem like enough. If I ever need another trunk restored, I will know
who to call first!!! Take care.
C. Zinniger
Hi Gary,
We got the trunk today and have to say it looks fabulous! You guys did a great job
restoring it, we are very pleased. Thank you very much!
M. Brehm
We got the trunk today and have to say it looks fabulous! You guys did a great job
restoring it, we are very pleased. Thank you very much!
M. Brehm
The trunk arrived safe and sound, I'm pleased to say...
It's lovely work and I am very pleased with it. That old trunk has a lot of sentimental
meaning for me, so I am glad to have it looking good again. Thanks!
George RR Martin
Hi Gary. I received the reproducer today and I just want to thank you. It plays great!
What a difference! When I first purchased this windup, the sound was really tinny.
Well, now it almost sounds like high fidelity! Just wanted to say thanks for what you
did.
Peter
What a difference! When I first purchased this windup, the sound was really tinny.
Well, now it almost sounds like high fidelity! Just wanted to say thanks for what you
did.
Peter