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
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