Proper Crane for my Horn

[HROSEN]

Hi! I am the proud owner of a Edison Home Phonograph (See attached pictures). I'm not sure which Model it is. I also own an Edison No. 10 cygnet Horn (see attached) and I am unable to get the proper crane to attach it to the mounts (see Attached) on my phonograph. I was told to get a 14 inch brass bell horn and a 30 degree elbow. I do not want a rep reproduction.

1) Is there a crane that would my current mounts and support my current cygnet horn? If yes, where can I buy it?
2) If not, would a 14 inch brass bell and 30 degree elbow work? If yes, where can I buy them?
3) If anybody know the correct model or History of this machine made for "R. S. Williams and Sons Co." please let me know.

[phonogfp]

Your Edison Home Phonograph Model B left the factory in January 1906. Sometime after October 1908 it was given an Edison 2/4-minute attachment. At some point after October 1912, it was equipped with an Edison Diamond B Reproducer. As currently equipped, it will play celluloid 4-minute records only. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PLAY WAX RECORDS WITH THE DIAMOND B REPRODUCER.

Your machine has the brackets for a Hawthorne & Sheble No.4 Horn Crane on its back panel. These can be removed if you wish to mount the No.10 Cygnet Horn. You will need a Cygnet crane and bracket. You can buy originals at https://www.phonophan.com.

Be sure to ask for mounting instructions.

Good luck!

George P.

[HROSEN]

Thank you very much! I will try to get the Hawthorne & Sheble No.4 Horn Crane. I take I should purchase a Hawthorne & Sheble No.4 Horn?

Howard

[phonogfp]

There's no such thing as a Hawthorne & Sheble No.4 Horn. The No.4 Horn Crane was meant to accommodate any number of horns or various sizes, from multiple manufacturers.

Purchasing a No.4 crane would be relatively inexpensive, but then you'd need a horn. You already have a No.10 Cygnet, which is an excellent-sounding horn which takes up little space. Given your Diamond B Reproducer, it makes more sense to get a Cygnet crane and bracket - unless you have reservations about drilling additional holes in the back of your Home's cabinet. Give the matter some thought.

George P.

[HROSEN]

Thanks George for your reply! I definitely "have reservations about drilling additional holes in the back of your Home's cabinet." No.10 Cygnet horn is a beautiful stand alone piece even if I can't use it. I would like to purchase the Hawthorne & Sheble No.4 Horn Crane. Where do you recommend I look for it? Once I get the crane which horn do you recommend and where can I purchase it? Will I need a 30 degree elbow and if yes where can I purchase it?

Thanks Howard

[phonogfp]

Howard,

Use this picture in your search, since many dealers won't know what a H&S No.4 crane is. This picture shows the early No. 5 crane, but the upper section with the rods is the same as used on the No.4. (NOTE: Only the EARLY No.5 crane used the top of a No. 4.) All you need is the upper section with the rods.

H&S crane.jpg (104.19 KiB) Viewed 1925 times

As for finding the crane, you can try these guys:

http://www.victroladoctor.com/

http://www.phonophan.com

You already have the brackets for a No. 4 crane, so remember to tell them that you need only the upper section with both rods.

Either one of these suppliers may have the reproducer-to-horn adapter as well.

The question of horn is complex. Do you want a straight black & brass or all brass horn? If so, don't exceed about 30 inches in length. Do you want a flower horn similar to that shown in the picture above? If so, you'll need a relatively small one, since the typical 31-inch flower horn will tip over your machine. 26 inches or less will be required for a flower horn. You might want to consider one of the laminated paper horns such as the "Mega" or "Linenoid" horns. They're lightweight and often interesting in design and/or color. The downside of laminated paper horns is condition. Don't buy one sight unseen unless you know and trust the seller. In any event, shipping horns is expensive, so attending a show would give you an opportunity to check out the types and sizes available - and you could take it home with you.

George P.

[Curt A]

Here is the exact link to purchase either horn crane you choose.
https://www.phonophan.com/parts.html

[VanEpsFan1914]

If you want a black and brass type horn let me know. I have one that would look nice with your machine. It's original, has a few dings but original paint. Made by Standard Metal Mfg. and has the hanger ring too.

I'm in South Carolina, USA.

[HROSEN]

George!! Thank you so much for you time!!! It really is appreciated! I sent an email to one of the vendors asking for a crave. I have been speaking with Tim Fabrizio and he recommended drilling new mounts which I don’t want to do.

[phonogfp]

It's understandable that you don't want to drill additional holes for the Cygnet bracket. Just tell Tim that you want the upper part of that crane in the picture. (Copy the picture and send it with your email.) Tim probably has that upper crane.

George P.