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Post by poconosteve1 on Feb 20, 2015 8:31:54 GMT -5
Hi All. This has been a terrific site with a lot of knowledge out there. My Standard A (1905), has a 7" dia. horn. Was this the 'basic' horn? It is supposed to be original to the machine. Could these machines be ordered/purchased with different sizes?, and how many different size horns were there during this time for Standards?. I suppose home machines may have had similar options? Thanks in advance! Steve
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Post by lucius1958 on Feb 20, 2015 23:42:21 GMT -5
The basic horn for Edisons of this period was a black and brass 'witches' hat', about 14" long, with a 7" bell. There were larger sizes available optionally, usually from the dealer: either black and brass, solid brass, or 'morning glory' horns from outside makers were a popular way to improve the appearance and sound quality of a phonograph. Edison did not provide 'morning glory' horns until about 1907, when they brought out a number of sizes, usually marked for the Home, Standard, etc. Some of the late model Standards were sometimes sold with flowered horns; others were fitted with back brackets for the later 'Cygnet' horns. Owners of older machines often upgraded them: for example, 2/4 minute attachments are occasionally found on 'suitcase' phonographs. With the larger horns, you would need a crane, of course. Up to a certain length, you could use a crane that clamped on the case: with much larger horns, you would have to use a floor crane, in order to keep the horn's weight from tipping the phonograph over. As for the size, owners could choose from a great variety, from 14" up to about 5': it all depended on how much space you had... BTW: if you need to check whether your horn is original, here's a quick visual comparison (original on left - reproduction on right):  Original horns of this period will generally have a brass bead where the bell joins the cone; a smoother curve from the cone to the bell; a crimped (rather than soldered) small end. Sometimes they will have a stamp on the cone with patent information. I hope this has been helpful. BillS |
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Post by poconosteve1 on Feb 21, 2015 8:39:44 GMT -5
Hi Bill. Thanks so much for the very thorough information and pics! My horn looks identical to the one on the left and has the brass bead and crimped end. No patent info on it, but I heard that not all of them had that stamp. BTW, I like your ICS machine in the background. Looks to be in great shape. I almost purchased one on ebay..but missed it  Great site, and thanks again for taking time to provide so much info! Steve |
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