The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Curt A wrote: All original Edison Cygnet Horns that I am aware of were painted black, inside and outside.

Some metal Cygnets were finished in either oak wood grain or mahogany wood grain. The vast majority were indeed painted black.

Regarding the flowers, I agree with Curt. I have never seen original floral decorations in a Cygnet horn (nor in any original documentation), and from the perspective of historical authenticity, I deplore the addition of flowers to a Cygnet. That said, people are free to do whatever they please with their horns!

George P.

George,
I'm glad you mentioned the wood grained horns, it slipped my mind. Thanks for verifying my belief that cygnet horns were not floral decorated - I was pretty sure, but not 100%...

phonogfp wrote:

Curt A wrote: All original Edison Cygnet Horns that I am aware of were painted black, inside and outside.

Some metal Cygnets were finished in either oak wood grain or mahogany wood grain. The vast majority were indeed painted black.

Regarding the flowers, I agree with Curt. I have never seen original floral decorations in a Cygnet horn (nor in any original documentation), and from the perspective of historical authenticity, I deplore the addition of flowers to a Cygnet. That said, people are free to do whatever they please with their horns!

George P.

And I will be the first to 2nd that. I hate to see a cygnet horn with flowers in them.

Hello gentleman's


I am a collector of old phones, so I fully understand your feelings. I respect them because myself I would never have "redesigned/ relook" an old phone (sacrilege).

In reality, my health will never allow me to create a collection - even average - beautiful gramophones and phonographs. I already have some pieces, mainly French. And I long dreamed of a beautiful Edison phonograph with his flowered horn.

A friend suggested me selling me to good price a Triumph with a cygnet horn. In order to not distort the original pavilion, I planned to put another flag to restore (it above, the “old one”). And I would have made it paint with floral motives.

Your reactions made me think. Finally, I will not paint the cygnet horn. Better I'm not going to proceed with the proposal of my friend. I will buy a "morning glory horn" (painted or not), with a beautiful Edison phonograph (standard or home, for example).

Unfortunately, buying such horns in the US is very (too) prohibitive if includ. shipping and customs. I will buy a horn in France and probably having to be painted.

I would to see you in any days to seek your advice.
Thank you all for your kindness and for your insight.

I wish you all a beautiful and happy 2016 full of personal and professional success shared in the joy of your families.
Patrick.

Please forgive me for my poor english.