The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

While I understand both sides of the argument, I am with you Steve when it comes to brass. Why let them corrode further?

Clay

The horn looks great!
If it is in a dry environment and looks like that after over 100+ years, i wouldn't worry about further oxidation.
If you strip it, then you will have to coat it with something to stop it from oxidizing again.

Steve

I doubt what you're looking at is "100+ years" of corrosion to be honest. I did have a horn that was definitely proven to be untouched for 80 years and it was almost black in colour. There was no sheen whatsoever and the tarnish could have been mistaken for paint! The horn pictured and being discussed here has probably been polished many times throughout its life but been left most recently for maybe 40 odd years or so? That's another reason in favour of polishing a horn like this: you're rarely removing a precious life of tarnish, just a few decades worth of neglect.

I ascribe to both perspectives. I like the brass to match the paint and other metals on a given machine. If the machine is pristine, a tarnished brass horn detracts from it in my opinion. On the other hand, if the machine is just this side of needing a refinishing, the brass shouldn't shine like a mirror. I strive for consistency and moderation.

Plenty more here...

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... +to+polish

George P.

Hi Rich,
Thanks for posting the pictures. Your Standard set up looks great! I agree your suitcase Home looks very nice on that oak cabinet. As for polishing brass horns I must confess that I really like the look of a flawless bright shiny horn.
all the best
Pete

Look at it this way, It's brass...It will tarnish all over again...No harm done..

That's my opinion..

)

IMHO, the horn looks pretty good. The patina is quite appealing, and there's no real corrosion there. You might use some paste wax on it to prevent it from tarnishing any further.

If you want to polish it, that's fine: as NEF said, the patina will come back eventually….

Bill

Lucius1958 wrote:If you want to polish it, that's fine: as NEF said, the patina will come back eventually….

Bill

Yes, that's the thing with brass. If a future owner wants a "patina" the removal of any later added lacquer and time will fairly quickly provide one.

Clay