I just want to take a moment to express my thanks to all who have contributed to this discussion. I've not only learned a lot, but have also recalled that my Grandfather's microscope is still in the family and retains a somewhat darkened color to the brass, but still uniform and bright enough to be attractive. He passed his State Board MD in 1929, so I'm assuming that this brass and black porcelained instrument dates from about that time.
All Best, Andy Baron On Jan 13, 2007, at 12:29 PM, George Glastris wrote: > 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: <[email protected]> > To: <[email protected]> > 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 >> > > _______________________________________________ > Phono-L mailing list > http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
