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Recently, I have also used the "Sharpie and WD-40" method for a black Morning Glory horn, with excellent results.
Now I have a different issue with a different horn. So although it is an old thread, I thought I better continue it rather than opening a new one.
So I've recently picked up this little 1907 "Zonophone Champion" machine with a green Morning Glory horn (picture attached). The horn is dents-free but there is a lot of superficial rust. Is there any way to improve its appearance? I wouldn't like to repaint the horn but rather to improve its appearance sympathetically, if possible.
Would be very thankful to hear any ideas from you folks!

The rust cannot be removed without damaging the paint... DO NOT ATTEMPT a repaint or touch up because this green color is highly desirable (even with the spots) and very difficult to exactly match. The color is called "Paris Green" and was formulated with Arsenic to achieve the unusual green shade (no longer produced for obvious reasons).

Waxing will leave a white residue on the rough surface of the rust which is difficult to remove, so is not recommended.. The best choice to improve appearance with no damage is using WD-40 without using the Sharpie (black horns only). This will at least rejuvenate the green paint and keep additional rust from forming. It is also reversible and absolutely harmless to the paint.

If you desire a more "showy" horn, buy a separate one for display and keep this with the machine. Personally, I love this horn even with the flaws.

Rebuilding the reproducer and cleaning the tonearm, horn elbow and the wooden case will do wonders for this machine.

Thanks, Curt!

What about trying some green shoe polish on the horn? I would imagine it would be possible to clean it off if it doesn't turn out well - or am I completely wrong about it? Do you know if anyone tried shoe polish on horns? The green colour seems to be fairly similar.

NottsGuy wrote: Wed Sep 10, 2025 10:17 am Thanks, Curt!

What about trying some green shoe polish on the horn? I would imagine it would be possible to clean it off if it doesn't turn out well - or am I completely wrong about it? Do you know if anyone tried shoe polish on horns? The green colour seems to be fairly similar.

I realize you are asking Curt, and not myself. However, in my opinion, the shoe polish will make a mess of it. Sometimes, we just need to accept that old things look old. Same as Curt, I rather like the horn the way it is. Aside from cleaning, and Curt's ubiquitous WD-40 solution, I would do nothing.

Thanks Jerry, I agree with you guys and will follow your advice! Will just treat it with WD-40.