Edison Standard Horn Bracket

[Andersun]

Yes it is! Can you show me a pic? Looking thru your accessories and Contraptions right now...

[phonogfp]

Well how about that?

You'll find a photo of the H&S Gem crane in Gadgets, Gizmos, and Gimmicks in the first chapter: "Horns."

Here's another shot:

George P.

[Andersun]

Thanks George! The rod should be very easy to reproduce!
Photo below from "Antique Phonograph Gadgets, Gizmos, and Gimmicks" by Fabrizio & & Paul. Used with permission.

[martinola]

It is interesting to note a different end gate and clip. This looks correct, the clip is spring loaded but has to be unscrewed each time to open the gate. Any comments on this?

Hi zapper!

Very interesting machine. I think it's cool when the machine actually tells you its story through the evidence of upgrades and repairs. The endgate latch is interesting. A big close-up would be great. Two possibilities spring to mind:

The first is that the original spring clip gave up the ghost back around 50-60 years ago when reproduction parts were not as common. It could be a very professionally made work-around.

The second possibility (but less likely) is that this may have been a prototype or low-production modification during the time when Home models made for export to the UK (about 1903). The Frow book describes a patent dispute about the endgate ball type locking latch in the UK which briefly caused Edison to provide the Home models with a knurled screw type latch. As far as I know this was never an issue with the Standard type spring clip latch, but who knows? It looks like it has been there quite some time and it looks well made.

I'm still collecting data for the Standard Data Project. I'd love to include this machine if you'd like to participate. Just drop me a PM if you're interested.

Regards,
Martin

[phonogfp]

After posting that I didn't recall ever seeing the earlier style No.4 braces, I had an itch in my brain that kept whispering, "Yes you have...yes you have...).

I was going through Antique Phonograph Advertising this afternoon on a totally unrelated subject, and look what I found! My only excuse is that I shot that photo about 15 years ago... Anyway, now this thread shows both the early and the later braces for the H&S No.4 crane.

George P.

[martinola]

I thought I'd update here if anybody was interested in the variation of the endgate latch. After communicating with Brian (zapper), he was able to forward some revealing photos of the endgate latch:

After viewing the photos, I'm convinced that this latch was one the the factory modifications for export to the UK in 1903. The serial number 94303 is consistent with a 1903 delivery and the machine was discovered in the UK. Thanks for the photos and info, Brian! If anybody else has a Standard with a similar latch, I'd certainly like to hear from them.

Cheers.
- Martin

[zapper]

Hi George. As you are aware I cannot retrieve photos of the horn bracket/support that you kindly posted previously. If possible can you forward some new photos
Kind regards Brian (zapper)

[phonogfp]

Hi George. As you are aware I cannot retrieve photos of the horn bracket/support that you kindly posted previously. If possible can you forward some new photos
Kind regards Brian (zapper)

Brian, you're killing me...

Okay - after nine years I'm guessing that this must be the image from Antique Phonograph Advertising showing the Hawthorne & Sheble No. 4 crane brackets (click twice on the image to sharpen and enlarge):

George P.

[zapper]

Hi George
Thank you so much for the super fast reply. Your memory is amazing. I have 2 of your books, but not the one mentioned. All I need to do is find a horn support. Probably an impossible task in the UK.
Thanks again
Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Brian

[phonogfp]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours as well, Brian!

George P.