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This is the best reproduction decal for these horns that I have run across:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-DECAL-EDISON- ... qksd5xDf6Q

Regards,
Martin

I ordered my decals from Greg Cline. His decals receive great reviews on this forum.

Stripping the horn did indeed reveal the original Edison decals. For accuracy, should I use lacquer or enamel to paint it?

hearsedriver wrote: For accuracy, should I use lacquer or enamel to paint it?

Enamel, and again I recommend Krylon "Matte Black." After it has cured for a week or two, you can bring up the shine if you wish with a coat of wax.

George P.

You could try a can of Rust-Oleum satin black.
From the label on the can: SATIN BLACK 7777
barcode number 0 20066 7778 4

I have used this paint with great success on some
old wooden wall magneto telephone parts. Namely the
transmitter arm and mount, along with the transmitter
back cup.

That was done in 2001, and by about now the layer
of dust on it looks just right, and it cannot be
distinguished from any other of the 100+ year old
parts on that restored and fully operational telephone.

Great to see that your horn is indeed a genuine
Edison!

I had a can of Krylon Canyon Satin Black on hand and I really like the way it looks. I think it might be enamal because it is slow to dry. It doesn't say on the can. Not a high gloss but looks pretty smooth. Also found some gold paint pens at Walmart that seem to be a good match for the trim. Im going to free-hand the stripes. From the looks of some of the originals, it doesn't look like they spent a lot of time with the pinstripping. Im not going to spend much time rolling out the little dings or imperfections. I dont want it to look brand new when I am done. I like a little character, especially since it is over 100 years old. It will take me a few days to finish but, I'll post some pictures when I am done with it.

Like George said, the Krylon provides a similar look to the original paint.

You might also try satin black lacquer, as it is a similar type paint to the original Japan black... It is a "thin" paint, which lets the patent stamps show through. Enamel or other "thick" paints cover and fill details...

From Wikipedia:
"Japan black (also called simply japan) is a lacquer or varnish suitable for many substrates but known especially for its use on iron and steel. It is so named due to the history of black lacquer being associated in the West with products from Japan."

One post script about Krylon... it is a plastic formula paint that looks good, it's thin and doesn't run easily, but don't use it on front mount horns because the support cradle with the rubber tubing will stick to the horn even after 10 years or so. I know this, because I painted one and really liked the appearance... until I found that it stuck to the support wire. I am now really fond of the satin black lacquer...

I had some issues with the semi-gloss enamel when I went to recoat it so, I ended up stripping it again and using an automotive matte black acrylic lacquer and am quite pleased with the results. I used a gold paint pen to do the stripping which was very easy to use. I might add a coat of orange shellac to the gold stripping to age it a little. I havent decided. Should have the decals here on saturday.

It looks fantastic. Good job.