Edison Standard Model A horn question

[edisonh19]

I just purchased a Standard Model A. It's in beautiful shape, but the horn is missing. I need to purchase a replacement. What is more suitable for a standard? A black and brass or all brass horn? And does anyone know about the quality of the 14" replacement horns available on e-bay? Are they of reasonable quality?

Thank you!
Ed.

Attachments:

[poconosteve1]

Great looking machine Ed! I am new to these machines..but have a machine about the same year as yours. Mine is 1905 (serial S-240416). Mine came with original horn which is the black and brass with 7" bell. I suppose its personal preference. If you're looking for 'originality', there are original horns for sale out there. I do like the all brass reproductions, although have no feel for quality level. I'd be tempted to go for one of those if my machine didn't come with one. More experienced guys on this site may have opinions on original versus repro... Enjoy. Steve

[phonogfp]

Until October 1907, all Edison Standards, Homes, and Triumphs came from the factory with the 14" black & brass horn. Many - perhaps most - original purchasers opted to buy a larger horn to 1) significantly improve the sound quality, and 2) to dress up the machine's appearance. You can see some examples of fancy flower horns here (scroll down to photos #20 and #21):

www.antiquephono.org/encountering-antique-phonographs/

Before the appearance of flower horns around 1905, original phonograph buyers purchased larger black & brass or all brass horns for the same reasons. Your Standard A appeared about the time people were realizing that the black & brass horns required much less polishing than the all-brass horns which seem to easily attract fingerprints, smudges, and tarnish. You can go either way and it would be perfectly acceptable. I have found Model A Standards and Homes with flower horns too (in the original family homes), so it's clear that Model A machines often sat in dealerships for a year or two (meaning up into the flower horn era), and/or oftentimes the original owners waited awhile before adding larger horn equipment (again - possibly until the flower horn era).

You really can't go wrong with most any cylinder horn except a Cygnet, and if the machine were equipped with a 2/4 minute attachment, even the Cygnet would be appropriate!

George P.

[edisonh19]

Thanks guys! I appreciate the input. While I love the large flower horns, they do take up a lot of space. I'll probably go with one of the smaller black and brass horns for now. I noticed that you mentioned dating the machine by the serial number. Is there a website that shows production information? I'd be interested in dating this machine as well as my H-19 Diamond Disc.

Thanks!

[phonogfp]

There is no website with specific production information on Edison cylinder Phonographs, but I have monthly sales data from 1897 to May 1908.. If you post your serial number I can tell you when the machine was sold by the National Phonograph Company. Unfortunately, this data won't help date your H-19.

George P.

[edisonh19]

Thanks George, I'll get that info as soon as I'm near the machine again!

Ed.