In deference to my dear friend George Paul, let me clarify what I meant regarding polishing horns. IF the original lacquer is already gone and if it is an obviously blackened and grungy finish then by all means polish away and make it shine again. My broad definition of "original patina" is of course subjective but I basically mean if it is reasonable and of a mellow hue, not a filthy barn find. I'm not recommending keeping the original air in the tires of a Model T Ford! Oh yeah, one reason for the possible fine finish on many scientific instruments is due to the fact that they are often kept in their original cases which keeps the air flow very low. ----- Original Message ----- From: <gpaul2000 at aol.com> To: <phono-l at oldcrank.org> Sent: Saturday, January 13, 2007 12:59 PM Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Protective Coatings on Brass Horns > My friend George Glastris's comments are well put. I have several pieces > of lacquered brass such as lenses for moving picture machines that I would > never consider stripping and polishing. You all know the look George is > talking about in such instances: a consistant finish but with a warm amber > hue. Optical and scientific instruments like those should not be messed > with unless absolutely necessary. I wonder if phonograph horns were sealed > with the same quality lacquer, or if their size, exposure to rapid changes > in temperature, and/or general lack of protection contributed to the > generally poor condition of original finishes on brass horns. > > I would take issue with only one of George Glastris's comments - that of > "irreplacable patina." Those of us with brass horns that have been > polished but NOT lacquered can attest that the so-called patina will > appear in all its glory over the course of 5 or 6 years. I must admit that > I don't mind the slightly darkened appearance of those horns. But they > still get polished every so often... > > George Paul > > ________________________________________________________________________ > Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security > tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, > free AOL Mail and more. > _______________________________________________ > Phono-L mailing list > http://phono-l.oldcrank.org > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.16.10/624 - Release Date: 1/12/2007 > >