Help with a Victor Wood Horn ID

[Amberola 1-A]

Great pix Mike. From what I can see by the last pic. and by the metal horn connector that has the patent info, that horn more than likely came from a Vic-VI. I'm going solely by the color of the connector which appears to be gold.
Flashes can do funny things though with tarnished nickel, so I will not say for certain that you have a horn for the VI. A sweet looking horn to be sure!!
A bit of careful cleaning on the connector should determine if it's nickel or gold, then it's off to find the right machine!!!!

Bill

[Zeppy]

I agree that it does appear to be mahogony (to my eye, it seems too red just to be the changes in shellac...and the grain isn't as defined as you usually see in oak). As for being a from a IV or a VI, I'd be less willing to commit. It does appear to gold, but it also could be brass. Could be the part just lost it's nickle platting, exposing the brass.

[MikeC]

Guys,
Thanks for the new observation on the tip material.
I cleaned it up a bit and it shows Pat dates of Sept 1904 and March 1905.
It is 98% brass with traces of bright gold. No nickel evident.

So does that narrow it down to a vic VI ? ( when you say that, is it a mechanical reason (how it attaches), a material match with machines or options that were available with machines?

Do I also assume it does not attach correctly to other machines?

It is easier buying it than researching it....LOL

Thanks Mike

[Amberola 1-A]

Mike,

The traces of gold would point it to belonging to a Vic-VI, but it would fit on any Victor that had the large horn elbow.

Bill

[Phonolair]

I’m curious and ready to be educated. From reading the threads about the Victor mahogany speartip horn I’m gathering
that the belief is if the horn has a nickel end cap its for a Victor IV and if it has a brass or gold end cap its for a Victor VI.

Here’s my question does anybody have a Victor mahogany speartip horn with a nickel end cap (original of coarse) in their collection.

I know the first early Victor wood horns have the zinc end cap and I know the smaller smooth side mahogany horns have the nickel end cap. But I have never seen a mahogany speartip with a nickel end cap, it has always been brass. Does some one have some Victor literature that shows mahogany speartips being different with the IV having nickel end caps and
the VI having brass or gold end caps. I would also think if this was the case we would see many more mahogany speartips with nickel end caps than the brass or gold end caps as the Victor IV is much more common than a Victor VI. But as I said I have never seen a nickel end cap on a mahogany speartip horn.
Best regards, Larry

[martinola]

I'd be very wary of using Murphy's on the horn. The horn is way more valuable with its original finish intact. I'd suggest Kotten Kleanser (or some prefer non-abrasive Go-Jo) and lots of paper towels. Be careful as all of these methods soften the finish somewhat) It will re-harden to some extent after it dries. Antique Phonograph Supply Company sells Kotton Kleanser. Follow the instructions, take it easy and you'll end up with a real nice horn. Good luck!
Martin

[MordEth]

I'd suggest Kotten Kleanser (or some prefer non-abrasive Go-Jo) and lots of paper towels.

I have not seen Kotten Kleanser used, but the non-abrasive Go-Jo (be sure to get the kind that does not include pumice!) works quite well.

I think that John may have some before and after pictures (or I took some for him), I can’t remember. I know that he tends to favor the Go-Jo method.

By the way, Mike—he’s not kidding about the paper towels. You want to have plenty of them, you’ll use more than you might expect to clean something thoroughly with Go-Jo. Especially because you will probably want to go over it more than once.

— MordEth

[MikeC]

Thanks guys.
I am glad I was Lazy Sunday with the games on and did not start. I will hold up and try 1 of those cleaners.

Appreciate it