The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi
I have recently bought this spun aluminium phonograph horn. my question is , was it originally painted like this (the paint appears old) or has it been painted since ? I can't decide whether to leave it as is or strip the paint off. the size is 11" diameter by 13"long.
Any ideas if horns were originally painted ?

This looks like a French Pathé phonograph horn. I never saw one painted, I have a couple and both have the spun aluminum surface exposed.

Thanks !Are they the same size ?

Hi,
I saw a very few aluminium horns painted in black but I don't know if the paint was original...
For the size, I checked several horns and their dimensions are slightly different; with the usual shape, a 11” diameter horn should be a bit longer than 13”. But, who knows?

I suspect it is a painted reproduction horn , there used to be an antique shop in Boston Lincs which used to sell phonographs with painted horns usually green or gold metallic paint !

Thanks. Looking at the age of the horn i don't think it is a repro - it looks like a Pathé that was painted by someone.

Gramtastic wrote:Thanks. Looking at the age of the horn i don't think it is a repro - it looks like a Pathé that was painted by someone.

Wishful thinking

whatever....

don't know what it is from but that's the one I sold on ebay the other day

Hi Jake,
As you can see I am trying to decide whether to strip the paint off it or leave. It seems most people think it should be stripped. I am pretty sure it is an old horn having had a good look at it.
Re fairs in the UK there really aren't many !! The main one is the Vintage wireless society "National Vintage Communications Fair" in Leamington Spa. The next one is May 14th 2017. It is nothing like the American fairs I'm afraid. There are the three or four UK gramophone dealers but most of it is radio stuff. The CLPGS holds some events where they sell some gear at Powick so have a look at their website for details.
cheers
Andrew