The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I bought this horn and am considering repainting it. The horn is very dark, these pictures are outside, and the sun makes the colors more pronounced than when it is inside. The dark areas, including the horns outside have no paint left at all. Im on the fence about repainting as I have never done this to a victor after market piece. The machine I have for it is in very clean shape, but we all know machines and horns don't always stay together, so to repaint it for just one machine may not be the best move.

Thanks!

PS. If anyone knows the history of this horn, please share! One collector told me it could have been for a douglas victor?

Looks like a H&S after market horn to me.As for repainting.....looks good enough to leave as is.However,it is always a personal choice.I'm still wondering about your comment on the Mexican thread.

I believe it's a talkaphone horn. It should fit on a victor if it is.

I'd not repaint it.

I would probably attempt to replace the missing blue paint, and preserve the original paint by giving the whole thing a coat of clear.
I know most people will say leave it original & as is, but I just couldn't stand looking at the grey bare metal slowly rusting away.

If the remaining paint is not fragile I'd clean any loose material off the bare areas and then use microcrystaline wax.

A partial repaint came to mind for me as well. It looks like it was a dark blue."retouching" the throat a bit with oil paint also crossed my mind. Anyone tried this?

I would not repaint that horn. You only get original once, and when it's gone... all you have is another repainted horn.

And, not to question your abilities but, I have NEVER seen a repainted horn that looked anywhere near correct. The closest by far, however, are the horns done by Norm & Janine Smith.

Yes, indeed there is no turning back.... this is why I am hesitant. I think I could pull it off. I am a trained artist, so I know how to handle paint.

JerryVan wrote:I would not repaint that horn. You only get original once, and when it's gone... all you have is another repainted horn.

Very sound advice!