What is the correct type of black paint to use on brass tops of spark coils from 1916, flat, satin, semi-gloss or gloss?
Are the wood screws that secure the brass plate supposed to be painted or left bare?
I realize that polished tops are pretty but I'm aiming for original.
Satin looks sort of like the original finish.
Michael
Here is my view based on my long experience studying the KW "Williams" designed ignition coil used during 1913-1927 Model T Ford production.
If you are seeking 1916 originality I would not use the KW six screw black anodized top coils. You can find supporting details in Vintage Ford Vol. 34 Issue 6 Nov/Dec 1999 article entitled "The Model T Ignition Coil, Part 3: Chronology of the Ford/KW coil unit". Note the typical Ford brass top coil of 1916-1917 is depicted on page 33 Photo 12 of that article.
I believe the six screw metal top coils were not used after Mid 1915, but I cannot absolutely prove that because detailed manufacturing records for KW (and other Non Ford) coil production do not exist for outside suppliers. You will only find assembled unit drawings with no part numbers that were most likely used for receiving inspection.
During the late 1913 to Mid year 1915 many differences existed between Ford and KW production, but by late 1915 Ford was trying to standardize on KW and Ford coil and by 1916 most of the subtle differences in Ford and KW coils had disappeared and the four screw plain (not black anodized and certainly not polished) metal top coil were being jointly being manufactured.
Hope this helps?
Ron the Coilman