The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

JohnM wrote:Maroon Gems weren't painted with paint, they were painted with a tinted shellac. I cringe at the thought of using paint. That is not a historical finish for these machines. There are a few restorers who can reshellac, most notably David Teti of Connecticutt.

John, do you mean the machines or the horns or both were finished with tinted shellac?

I'm referring to the finish on the machine itself, also to any Edison bed plate in any color other than black. The horns were coated with a more transparent finish that allowed light to reflect from the bright metal surface below. I believe this was commonly referred to as a 'japanning', but the heavier, more opaque bed plate/case coatings would qualify as japanning, too, by definition.

Thanks for that information..

I have heard of that technique but I'm sure it is rarely used in todays world. It's nice to be a purest but at some point you have to draw the line. It's not like these machines are one of a kind.

If you have ever stripped a horn then you will know that they have a high sheen of plating on them prior to being painted (or shellaced). It almost looks like nickel or chrome. In most cases alot of this plating has become loose ,pitted and rusted so in order to do the reconditioning properly you would first have to address that issue. Costly to say the least.

I guess it all comes down to time and money for me. I very much enjoy bringing junk machines and horns back to life in as closed to original condition as possible and will use any technique necessary to achieve this. I do alway strive for the perfect original look whenever possible but for me there is a point...

I guess historically correct is not at the top of my list because after all any machine refinished or restored is not technically original anyhow.

Blizz

Yes, The 1984 VW Rabbit LS "Mahogany Red" paint code LE3K is the ticket!

)

Tony K.