Cabinet handle removal

I have this old cabinet that held a record player at one time. I was going to get rid of it but some friends talked me into refinishing it. So I am going to give a shot. Problem is I can't figure out how the handles are attached? Any ideas?

 

There should be some flex in the handle, so you can bend in inwards and away from one lug, then it will just drop out the other side. Then the lugs should unscrew and these are what hold the finger plate to the wood. Just be aware on old pieces if the handles are not of a great quality they can on occasion snap.

 

I tried that but it didn't seem like the lugs were going to turn. They are brass. I was afraid I was going to break something.

 

What Ce BCA writes seems correct, but you may need a tip from a woodworker forum. You to do it eight times correctly!

 

Work around them?
Seems they are to trap fitted and i wouldn't risk damaging the wood.

Nice looking cabinet. Doesn't need much to become beautifull again.

 

have u put a magnet to the handles?

 

yes, they are brass

 

So they may be a really basic type, which have metal pins under the lugs which go into holes to provide stability, then there are short spikes around the finger plates and the handles are just gently hammered into place using the holes/pins as the guides. You should be able to see if this is correct by getting a spudger and gently levering around the edge of a finger plate - see if you can see any spikes when you get a little gap.

 

...but beware! You'll quickly ruin the wood.
What i should not risk on this beautifull cabinet as i already said. Nothing wrong with some ware on such oldy.

 

I will work around the handles and not try to remove them.