SOLD: 27" Horn possibly Columbia $150

[rgordon939]

For sale is a 27" horn. It may be a Columbia but I am not sure. Condition is pretty nice and displays well. Price is $150.00 plus shipping or can be picked up at the Wayne NJ show on April 9 or 10.

Rich Gordon

[phonogfp]

As noted in another thread here, this is not a Columbia horn. Columbia did not make horns, but rather bought them from Hawthorne & Sheble until around 1908/09.

George P.

[rgordon939]

Thanks for the correction George I should have said that they were commonly found on Columbia machines.

Rich Gordon

[phonogfp]

True - they were also illustrated in Edison catalogs.

And here are TWO of these 26" tin horns used with an Edison Duplex Speaker:

As I shared in a PM with a highly-respected and very knowledgeable long-time collector (and friend) this morning, I hope I don't come off as pedantic in my respect for accuracy. I confided to him that I no longer feel it's my duty to offer clarification to every questionable "fact" I read here. Besides, no one likes a smart-ass, and I'd hate to be thought of as a know-it-all. But when I saw two 26" tin horns in the Yankee Trader yesterday - BOTH being called "Columbia horns," I just couldn't help myself. I imagine an earnest young collector reading something like that and eventually trying to "un-learn" it, as has happened to me so many times over the years.

George Tewksbury, in his 1897 A Complete Manual of the Edison Phonograph, devoted an entire chapter to horns, and the 26" tin horn was discussed in detail. It was clearly the standard, go-to horn of the 1890s.

George P.

[mcgravy]

George,
I for one value your penchant for accuracy. I am always amazed at your wealth of knowledge concerning everything phonographic, and I have learned much from you. If only I could remember it all! Keep up the good work!

[briankeith]

I like smart asses George

[alang]

George, I would also appreciate if you would continue to keep us honest and the facts straight. Someone is only seen as a smart-ass or know-it-all if the corrections are being delivered in a way to outshine or put down others. You on the other hand always share your knowledge in a way to help and educate others, for which I am extremely grateful. There is so much false or partly incorrect information on the Internet, we have to make sure that it does not become fact because nobody corrects it.

Thank you
Andreas

[rgordon939]

George please never stop your postings. Your sharing of knowledge is truly appreciated by many of us.

Rich Gordon

[phonogfp]

Rich, I'm so sorry for hijacking your post.

Whatever its origin, your horn is a beauty, with early two-seam construction and the wide hanger meant for suspending with a ribbon. The paint has a nice, healthy sheen that I admire, and these horns don't usually retain that. Flaking paint is quite common too, but this one presents very well. If I didn't already a few of these...!

Thanks for the very kind expressions of support (or patient understanding!). I'm clearly addicted to the history of early talking machines and related items, so I'm not likely to stop posting, but I'm painfully mindful of possible perceptions. Someone might well ask, "Who made HIM the phonograph oracle?" I don't ever want that sort of thing to get in the way of the historical record. It's a balancing act between sharing and "holding forth." I'll count on you guys to keep me on the right track.

Best to all,
George P.

[Panatropia]

Here's a silly vernacular inquiry. Is it pronounced Shee-ble or Sheb-lee? I've heard it both ways.