This Emerson 121 uses the same chassis (G5) as the model K121, difference being this radio has a circular dial.
This is a prime example of someone’s refinishing job gone horribly wrong, but look at what a beautiful wood-grain was hiding under that alligator skin!
The main issue with this one was the original speaker looked like it went through a catastrophe. The cone was cracked in several places and the voice coil wiring looked like it exploded out from its form.
It was irreparable, and I did have a similar size permanent magnet speaker in stock. The field coil was easily removable from the bad speaker, and I used it as the power supply choke. It can be seen mounted inside the cabinet in the after photo of the rear.
The badly yellowed plastic dial cover was soaked in a 50/50 solution of water and bleach for a few hours. This lightened it up to easily see through compared to the as-found condition.
Emerson decals were used to complete the exterior restoration.
I decided to re-stuff all of the capacitors to conserve the vintage look underneath the chassis.

Otherwise, this was a relatively uneventful 16 hour restoration job and I am pleased with the resulting transformation.