The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Thank you VanEpsFan1914

I think the horn came out pretty good. But as you mentioned, I think some of what I thought was rust may have actually been paint. Can anyone verify if the horn was also painted mahogany?

As for sealing the horn, would modernizing with silicone be acceptable?

The cast portion of Victrola horns is not color matched to the finish. Your black will do just fine. Jerry

The cast portion of the horn on my mahogany XI is painted a color that railroaders call tuscan red (also known as box-car red or barn red). See https://rikett.net/product/rqt-classic-tuscan-red/. As Jerry said, your black will do OK. However, if you look straight into the horn opening it is possible to see the cast iron through the slats. Of course, it's your choice what color to paint your horn; I'm just reporting on this one particular example. What's sold as red automotive primer or metal primer is a close enough approximation to tuscan red, I would think.

Here’s a pic of a horn casting of similar vintage. Upright XI, but should be the same color as yours would have been originally.

Good luck!

Matt

Was the color of the cast portion of the horn the same for an oak or mahogany machine? Maybe I was incorrect with my statement that they were not color matched to the finish.

Jerry

Thank you all for the input. I was going to keep it black as Jerry had suggested, but Henry's point about the inside brought me to just painting the inside. And since I had plenty of paint left, Mattrx's post led me to paint the whole thing.

Due to stores being empty of everything right now, I could not find Red auto primer, but using the color link Henry sent, I found that Krylon has a color called Satin Brick that is almost dead on. Of course I got that before seeing Mattrx's post for a color match, but I think it will do. I'll post another pic once the lacquer is dry on the wood portion and it's assembled.

~Ron

Also, I noticed each part of the cabinet is stamped with the same number. Is this the craftsman's mark? Has anyone had success restoring the finish inside the lid without destroying the logo?

I probably have a tone arm for you. Do you also need the cast iron fitting for it?
Dave D

Dave D wrote:I probably have a tone arm for you. Do you also need the cast iron fitting for it?
Dave D

Yes, I will need both parts. I have also found several on Ebay but I don't know the correct length.

Jerry B. wrote:Was the color of the cast portion of the horn the same for an oak or mahogany machine? Maybe I was incorrect with my statement that they were not color matched to the finish.

Jerry

Jerry, I don't think you were completely wrong. I have seen many on Ebay that are in Black too. Maybe it depends on year of manufacture? Or just on specific models.

"Has anyone had success restoring the finish inside the lid without destroying the logo?"

The simple answer is "NO", and considering the condition of the inside of your lid, you should refinish it to match the new outside, so it doesn't look mismatched. If the inside was good, you could leave it... Buy a decal from Gregg Cline (https://www.phonodecal.com) - his are the best. Follow his instructions for installation and you will end up with a great restoration...