What is the proper color scheme for an Atwater Kent Model 35 receiver and the Model "M" horn? I have both of these items, but I can't really tell the original color on either, and I am not certain if the wrinkling/crazing in the paint was deliberate or a result of age (it doesn't match the texture of the paint on my Atwater Kent Model 40 receiver or Type "E" speaker). I can't even tell if my horn originally had wrinkle paint over the sheet-iron or not.

The 35 I have is a dark brown. The texture is less than the models 37 and 40. I would have to check the M speaker, but I am sure it uses similar texture to 37 and 40. I think colors varied on a few models.

So I take it there was no gold paint on top, like on the Model 40 receiver? Just straight dark brown with brass accents?

How would I go about duplicating the finish on the Model 35? If the wrinkling is not as extreme as it is on the 37 and 40, what paint should I use? For that matter, what would be the closest modern paint color that is easily obtainable?

I have a 35 stuck up in the closet here, that someone gave me. I am at a loss to do anything like a refinish. Has lots of scratches in the finish and chips and even rust in some of the chips. The original paint has an odd texture to it, like a crackle finish that I do not know how to do. It is dark brown except in the framed area around the gold AK emblem, which is a ligher more medium brown. I thought perhaps mix some paint by eye and carefully touch up the damaged areas as I have no idea how they did the original finish. I wish I had one of the models of AK done up in black wrinkle paint, as I can do that alright, I believe. This set is basically about complete, needs new battery cable and the transformers are bad, as typical. Pretty clean inside. The guy that gave it to me just cut off the cable as it was not in good condx. Needing all that done to it, it has pretty much stayed out of sight. Good luck. Maybe someone that restores antiques in general that need paint jobs would know something about doing that "alligator skin" wrinkle finish rather than just radio people.

I know how to do 'alligator skin' and other types of finishes... if only I could FIND the paint that it requires! I haven't even been able to scare up any plain old wrinkle paint these days.