Recovering the platen on a Fox 23

The Fox Typewriter Co. of Grand Rapids produced some of the finest and most beautiful typewriters ever ( much more here ). I have the good fortune to own a lovely Fox no. 23, made in 1908 and still in near-mint condition, with a few exceptions. Its typebar rests, consisting of leather-wrapped sand, became brittle ; its feet are squashed; its fragile ribbon vibrator broke and has been repaired with…