Edison Home your Expert statement

[NEFaurora]

I agree with Jerry, The machine is still pretty much an original 2-minute machine (sans Cygnet Horn Bracket), so I'd just leave everything as it is....just as you see it on the phonograph. Even though it has a later Cygnet horn bracket on the back, I would just leave it alone....Unless, The machine was fully converted with a period correct 2-4 minute "Conversion Kit", then and only then, would I add a Cygnet Horn to the machine as well. You would need to change the top Reproducer carriage on the machine also as well to "accept" the Cygnet Horn...so basically, You'd be swapping out more than half the top works of the machine if you went 2-4 minute, hunt for a Cygnet carriage, then hunt for a Cygnet horn..

)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

[Curt A]

OK, I agree with what everyone is saying about displaying it as an "original" 2 minute machine and leaving it as is. What I see is the option for displaying it either way with no damage to your machine, depending on your preference, I have a machine that was set up exactly this way and I like the options of horns...

Correct period horns are absolute purist ideas and a machine like this is relatively common, so does not demand a purist approach. Besides, many were modified by previous owners over the past 100+ years. Apparently someone in the past wanted the look of a cygnet horn machine or the practicality of a machine without a horn sticking out in the middle of the room. Since it already has a cygnet back bracket and you like the look of a cygnet horn, do whatever makes you happy. It will not diminish the value to have a cygnet horn on a two minute machine.

Later on, you may come across the 2/4 minute conversion kit (IF that's important to you) and you could add it at any time. This sounds like you first encounter with an Edison cylinder machine, so if the price is good, it is a nice machine to start your interest. As you become more familiar with it, you may want to play Blue Amberol records on it and that's when you need a 4 minute option... There are more choices of titles to play on your machine if upgraded to 2/4 minute, but if you just want to play it occasionally to show your friends, the 2 minute setup is great.

As it is, it will play 2 minute black wax or 2 minute Indestructible cylinders and would look great with a cygnet horn. Only those people who are totally into originality will know the difference of whether it should have an all brass horn and crane, a flowered morning glory horn or a cygnet horn - the choice is yours and you have the option of displaying it several different ways. 2 minute Indestructible records are the best way to go, as they are not fragile and prone to breakage or mildew. They are a little more expensive to buy, but definitely worth it.

As far as the carriage is concerned, a cygnet horn will work on the angled carriage if you use a flexible connector like a "Tiz-It" to connect the horn to the reproducer... You will also have to purchase a cygnet horn crane which is specially designed to support a cygnet horn. If cost is an issue, the cygnet horn upgrade could be somewhat expensive. A cygnet horn can be $400-500 USD and the crane is around $80 for a reproduction - more for an original. A Tiz-It is $50-75 USD...

[Jerry B.]

Tony and Curt both make excellent points. I strongly suggest that you check the position of the Cygnet bracket before you go down that path. If it is currently out of position you'll be drilling more holes or making a custom crane. I believe the bracket should be centered on the mandrel but I'm not sure how far below the deck it should be positioned. Would someone with a Home and Cygnet take the measurement please? Jerry Blais

[Valecnik]

I admit to being somewhat frustrated by the fact of not being able to mount a Cygnet Horn on this machine. Why is this not possible? Really not possible at all?

Assuming the Cygnet bracket is mounted where it should be for a Cygnet horn, you can do whatever you like. It is possible. If the original owner added the conversion kit to play four minute cylinders, a Cygnet horn would have been a desirable option to upgrade and modernize the Home. From my point of view, it is a two minute phonograph and should be displayed as such. When these machines were current, I can't imagine any two minute machine used with a Cygnet horn but I could be incorrect. Jerry Blais

Agree with you Jerry. I don't know of a legitimate two minute machine ever being upgraded at the time to sport a cygnet without the conversion kit also being added. If I were to buy something like this I would remove the cygnet bracket and present it again in it's correct configuration. If you want a machine with a cygnet, there are plenty of them out there imho.

[JerryVan]

Gotta agree with those who say display it correctly, as a 2 minute machine with an era correct horn. If you really want a cygnet horn machine, then buy one that's meant to be that way. That being said, you could use it any way you like without further "damage" to the machine. Just know however that a nice cygnet horn will cost most likely as much as you're getting the machine for, (assuming it's not $25 or something super low). Also, finding the correct cygnet horn crane can be tricky. They all look alike but in fact are slightly different, depending on what machine they're for and what style carriage you're using. I suppose you could buy a new crane, from Ron Sitko perhaps, and just tell him what you've got and you'd be o.k., but still another added cost. By the time you're done, you'll have paid for a proper cygnet horn style machine, and then some.