The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi,

I have some oxidation, and rust spots on the arm support of my Zonophone (see pic).

What is the best/ safest way to remove or minimize this? And what is the best way protect for furher oxidation/ rusting? Thanks in advance!

Try wadded up aluminum foil and a little water, wipe lightly until rust is removed. I’ve tried this and worked well.

Evaporust soak

EKzono wrote: Wed May 14, 2025 1:06 pm Hi,

I have some oxidation, and rust spots on the arm support of my Zonophone (see pic).

What is the best/ safest way to remove or minimize this? And what is the best way protect for furher oxidation/ rusting?IMG_0982.jpeg

Thanks in advance!

Softest cloth and a few drops of Brasso - the original version with ammonia. The latter is a rust inhibitor that will protect but from the look of your bracket, some of that rust might be just on the very surface of the plating anyway and might lightly polish off. Either way, I wouldn't panic too much; the bracket is in incredibly good original condition and those very few minor areas of rust spotting will unlikely get any worse in your lifetime if the machine isn't kept somewhere very damp.

I would try brasso to start with then the aluminiumfoil and wateras a rust inhibitor. That will clear such minor rusting. If not please post another picture to assess the real damage.
Remember rust on iron or steel objects is nine times the size of the metal that has rusted. Safe removal of this rust will not require anything radical I'd wager.

Many thanks everyone!