Columbia Nickel Coin-op Horn?

[MikeB]

I picked up this nickel plated horn. It looks like it was originally a 14" horn, but the end is damaged. It's about 12 ¾ inches to the damaged end, bell diameter is 7".

I was wondering what machine this might have been used on. Was this for a coin-op, for a standard Columbia machine, or for something else?

Thanks - Mike

[fmblizz]

My coin-op horn measure 13 ⅛ inches with the a 1 inch insert at the small elbow end to help support it's weight. The bell is 6 ⅞ inches.. Most of the plating is worn off as can be seen in the pic.

Hope this helps

Blizz

[MikeB]

Thanks for posting this. My horn does indeed look like a Columbia coin-op horn. I wonder if the end could be repaired.

[JerryVan]

Thanks for posting this. My horn does indeed look like a Columbia coin-op horn. I wonder if the end could be repaired.

A new end extension could be made and soldered on. The horn end would need to be neatly squared off. Some fitting may be necessary to accommodate the seam in the horn. The new piece would inserted into the horn, then pushed into place, with the squared off end snapping into place once it passes the step against which it will abut. Just a thought. I've actually done this repair, but can't right now as my shop is in the process of moving from one home to another.

[5Orient5]

Does the coin-op horn fit "on" or "in" the elbow? In the original configuration, the sleeve which is straight is soldered inside the horn which is tapered, so it would appear that the horn must slide over the elbow. Is this correct?
Thanks.

[fmblizz]

yes horn slides over elbow.. the outside dimension of the elbow is 19MM so if you are going to make an effort to solder a insert into your horn,, make sure it is no smaller then 19mm inside or it will not fit over the elbow.... at least these are the sizes on my Graphophone BS coin-op.

Possibly others elbow could differ in that o/s elbow dimension depending on the machine.

blizz

[cleveland1996]

How do we know that this is a coin-op 13 inch horn and not just a cut down standard 14 inch horn? Were the coin op horns just cut down 14 inch horns?

Joe

[MikeB]

I will say that the bell portion, and the seam where the bell meets the body, looks identical to the horn shown in Blizz's photo

If it is a coin-op horn, then I think attempting a repair would definitely be worthwhile. Unfortunately this is way beyond my skill level. Could someone recommend a phonograph person who could do the work?

Thanks - Mike

[fmblizz]

The horn is nickel plated brass,,, are there other examples of small 14 inch plated brass horns that size. I have not run across any in my travels but then who am I LOL..

blizz

[5Orient5]

Blizz,
Thanks for your reply. I believe I'm in good shape. As the original elbow was missing from my BS coin-op, I had to make a replica of both it and the sleeve. I made a scaled drawing from an illustration of one in The Antique Phonograph. Much to my delight, the OD of the one I made measures .750" (19.05 mm)!