The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

"At the very least, I want to clean it up and remove some dents. What’s the best way to go about doing those?"

In re-reading your post, you mentioned the above about your horn. Unless you are a band instrument restorer, I would suggest having that done by a professional. It seems like dent removal would be a simple process, but it isn't. Removing dents from steel is totally different than removing them from brass and unless you have perfected that process, you are likely going to screw it up. It is not easy, without the correct expensive equipment, to remove dents from a brass bell... Brass is flexible and pushing on it to remove a crease or dent with anything you might find around your house, will most likely make it worse or less desirable appearance wise... The contoured and round shape of the bell requires a special machine to correct it and look right (like it hasn't been messed with).

We have a member on the forum who is extremely well versed and capable of removing any dents you are concerned about. He has been used by many members here on the forum and highly recommended. If it were mine, I would send it to him for correction. You are extremely lucky to have found this beautiful Victor E as your first machine, so do it right.

The member on the forum is: John Duffy - Phone:860-966-2827 (Ripduf1 on the forum)
Find him here: memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=958

I thought, if I did a search for "how to clean a Victor metal horn" it would end with "clean with WD40". I expected it and I embrace it. You didn't steer wrong when you said clean 78s with WD40 (although maybe didn't mention that it would leach onto the sleeves for awhile), and I don't believe you're steering us wrong now. I'll let you know how it goes!

Do you think it would still stand out if I painted over all the black, rather than just the scratches?

It's really hard to give decent advice without photos. Please post a few of your horn.

Thanks, Jerry B.