Victor V-II

[VanEpsFan1914]

Having a later motor and the open horn design is the best of both worlds, great find. Do you think you can get a good deal on it?

[phyi9530]

Hi all, thanks so much for your replies. They have been very helpful. With that, I proceeded to bid and won. It finally arrived few days ago. I am very happy and can't stop staring at it's beauty.

To my surprise, the horn is actually in quite good shape (except for minor bent). It is slip-on type. It appears to be very big (at least for me). I measured and found it to be 22 inches. I was hoping that it would be 19 inches (as per Victor data book) (as the seller didn't state the horn size in the bid description). Unfortunately, the decal is gone. I'm considering to put on a new decal to make it look more complete.

It carries a 2 spring motor in one spring barrel. The springs are not covered in bad old grease (someone must have cleaned it before). But the springs appears to be quite short (I compared it with my identical HMV 32motor). Perhaps this shortness has contributed to it's lack of power. It gets really tight with about 20 winds and could not really last a 10 inch record well. I have also measured the width of the outer spring, and it's 1.25inch.

Notwithstanding that it's a late Victor II, the Exhibition reproducer appears to be the earlier version with a round hole, not capable of using a bamboo needle.

The turntable has slightly wraps. But I guess it's alright after I have cleaned the taper arm and the reproducer is now freely moving up and down.

In general, I'm happy and grateful for the purchase. I have cleaned it up and lubricated where necessary. It's playing good now save that springs may be a little too weak.

But I would like to seek advice on the horn. What would be the recommended way to preserve the horn to prevent further rust? Is there any way to make it shine (currently it's quite dull)? I read online that there should be gold stripes at the back of the horn. Is it advisable to try paint the gold stripes?

Many thanks in advance.

[Steve]

But I would like to seek advice on the horn. What would be the recommended way to preserve the horn to prevent further rust? Is there any way to make it shine (currently it's quite dull)? I read online that there should be gold stripes at the back of the horn. Is it advisable to try paint the gold stripes?

Many thanks in advance.

I cannot see any rust worth worrying about, seriously. Kept indoors out of the wet, it is unlikely to get any worse in your lifetime. I would not paint any stripes on an original horn in that quality of condition. It will make it look like it's been repainted all over at some point. It's over 100 years old; a little rubbing and wear is to be expected. You don't want it to look like a repro. Car paint buffing compounds ("T-Cut" to us folk in the UK) can be used to shine the horn although it looks perfectly good as is to me.

[phyi9530]

Hi Steve, thanks for your reply. Perhaps I should say oxidation instead of rust. There are spots of oxidation so I am wondering ways to prevent it from deteriorating. The weather here is also very humid, and so I was wondering how to prevent rust too. Will find something identical to what you suggested here and try. Thanks.

[JerryVan]

I agree completely with Steve. As to car paint buffing compound, I do that too. However, only use the finest grade available, called "finishing compound". Anything much more course may remove too much finish. You just want to remove the oxidized layer of paint. There are also some auto polishes, (NOT waxes), specifically made to remove oxidized films. Once cleaned of the dead paint layer, I then apply a wax product. Be very careful to remove every trace of polish/wax from the seams of the horn. It will turn white and look terrible. As with any such attempt, begin in a small, inconspicuous place to test your products and techniques.