In response to Mr. Buckland's question [080627 MMDigest], most of the
disc box collectors I have discussed this issue with firmly believe
and agree that the wood is not walnut but a much cheaper white wood
coloured to simulate.  Most observers and restorers have identified
that at least two different types of wood, of differing density, have
been used for Polyphon mouldings and turnings, including what I suspect
to probably be lime, and some other wood we can't readily identify.

I would suggest that Mr. Buckland determines the absolute certainty
of the timber he is seeking by sending a sample to nearby Lancaster
University, who are usually quite helpful with such requests, and
sharing their findings on MMDigest.

The timber used on original disc storage racks on storebin interiors,
is a rather plain and cheap looking (but durable) white wood, and I've
never seen any medullary rays or distinctive flecking on these internal
components.  Surely it stands to the economics of production that the
cheapest timber to do the job adequately would have been utilised for
the disc holder.

Over the years I have encountered many boxes missing a section of
moulding; these have been replaced by either being sourced from
a donor, or made from scratch.  The former source is invariably
a different colour to the recipient and usually needs stripping back
to the bare for colouring and refinishing.

Again, I've never seen medullary rays present here; I have always
assumed, either correctly or incorrectly, that the finished mouldings
on Polyphon uprights have been subject to some sort of factory
two-pack translucent coloured shellac, to give a faux walnut colour
and figuration to complement the pleasing walnut veneers of the main
carcass.

Regarding the latter scratch built-mouldings, rather than worrying
unduly about the nature of the wood, I carefully select a piece of
timber that I can best match in to the original mouldings of the
recipient.  This seems to work out best method for my own restoration
techniques.  The only times I have ever seen medullary rays in timber
it has always been in oak.  I don't personally know of any wood that
displays these properties that I thought was unique to oak?!  Perhaps
Mr. Buckland should ask himself, "If I am looking at these rays, am
I looking at oak?"

Whatever the wood originally used, there's one thing I know for sure:
Don't the worms love em!

Mark Singleton, Lancs. UK