I thought I'd bump this topic up since I believe I have finally got the paint I want (but still not sure it's a match -will find out once I start applying, but I have seen a pic of some applied and it looked promising) so have started sanding the base. I have done half of the top and both sides.
I'm not sure if I'll retain the Victa label or replace with a reproduction one. Threw present one has degraded with a few pock marks and missing print.

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Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!