Conn 6H Tenor ( 1955 ) Half Moon - Bell Outer finish looks like Gold Glitter

[TheConnArtist70H]

Hello All

I recently bought the above Horn from Wichita band company which arrived the other day.
Every thing seems fine, Nice Rose Brass Slide, super smooth, original oxblood stratoliner luxury case, however, the outer Bell section seems to have a golden glitter effect when tilted in the light at an angle, does anyone know what this could be ?

My only thoughts would be that A) it's had indents brushed out and re-lacquered or B) the original
Lacquer has aged.....

It does not look like it has be re-lacquered if I'm being honest.....and the description did not state it had been.

Why is the word "Lacquered" such a pain in the ass to type correctly

Any feedback from owners of these would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Al

[hornbuilder]

Some older lacquers from "fracture" with age. Potentially caused by the vibrations of the bell when being played.
How does it play??

[mikerspencer]

I've a conn slide that did this from an ultrasonic clean.

[TheConnArtist70H]

Thanks for the feedback. I've had another look and it does not look like it has been Re-Lacquered at all, so it must be either what you suggested Matthew, or maybe ultrasonic cleaning like Mike suggested, however doubt the Ultrasonic industry would continue if it resulted in this effect as nobody would accept this when they got their horns back.

As for the blow, I must confess to being a Bass Player with a soft spot for Elkhart Conns including Tenors, I also have
a 1932 4H Artist Special ( Half Moon Deco ), and a 1955 Conn 8H ( Half Moon Deco ) which play amazing, however, as I have a strain of Man Flu at the moment and ears blocked so I've not tried the 6H ut yet but cannot wait.

My Horn collection is getting way out of hand, I think I need to get some tharapy...

[JohnL]

I think the technical term for what your seeing is "crazing" (at least that's what it's called when it happens on glazed ceramics).

Just tell people that someone who used to own the horn played so darn loud that the lacquer shattered.

[AtomicClock]

Why is the word "Lacquered" such a pain in the ass to type correctly

The C and Q are awkward letters in traditional touch typing.