The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

1. As stated above, The little wheel is the "Belt Tensioner" wheel. It is designed to take up the slack of a loose belt and it does so pretty well.

2. Yes, Also stated above, Those 4 empty holes are filled by a missing "Cygnet Crane bracket". Luckily for you, The bracket is being reproduced and sold by most Phonograph vendors, Originals can also be found on ebay. Obviously, If you buy the Cygnet Crane Bracket, You will need the whole crane assembly as well. That is also reproed...as well as the Cygnet horn.

)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

I don't think the owner would go for a full Cygnet setup. Would a simple "witches hat" black & brass horn be adequate?

bangster wrote:I don't think the owner would go for a full Cygnet setup. Would a simple "witches hat" black & brass horn be adequate?

It might be "adequate", but I doubt it would be historically accurate.

By the time the model E was introduced, Edison phonographs were generally being marketed with at least a paneled horn and crane as standard equipment, and frequently with the Cygnet as a popular option. (Edison historians, feel free to correct me on these points).

Judging from the condition of the finish underneath, I'd say the bracket was factory installed.

It all depends on how large the owner's budget is, and what they want.

Bill.

What's a usual price for a Cygnet bracket, crane, and horn? Repro OK.

I'm not trying for a complete restoration on this machine, and historical accuracy is not an important goal. I want to give the owner a machine that looks nice, runs like it's supposed to and plays cylinders so's you can hear them.

This machine originally called for a Cygnet horn and crane. Could it be used with an "witch's hat" horn without a crane? Would that harm the machine, or the cylinders? I'm trying to save the owner's pocketbook as much as I can, and still turn out an acceptable job.

bangster wrote:I'm not trying for a complete restoration on this machine, and historical accuracy is not an important goal. I want to give the owner a machine that looks nice, runs like it's supposed to and plays cylinders so's you can hear them.

This machine originally called for a Cygnet horn and crane. Could it be used with an "witch's hat" horn without a crane? Would that harm the machine, or the cylinders? I'm trying to save the owner's pocketbook as much as I can, and still turn out an acceptable job.

yes it would work, no harm.