Hi, I'm currently restoring an Antique mahogany telescopic or sometimes called a rise and fall dumbwaiter ' the string that operates the mechanism is missing ,is there anyone who may have a sketch or plan of the mechanics
Ships chandlers have light rope/cord that may work. The basic need is that it doesn't stretch and is relatively narrow. Have a look at the pullies (usually brass) that will indicate the max. diameter. Some early examples have even used thicker than tennis racquet cat gut
Telescopic Dumbwaiter 
