The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Congratulations Rene, what a spectacular glimpse into a single point in time. Whomever purchased it new must've been relatively "well to do". It seems that it was obviously purchased for private home use, as opposed to being used for public exhibition.

Thanks for sharing your wonderful story, and the No.2 photo, that's a really nice touch.

Fran

Great photos and back story!

Do we know anything at all about the cause(s) of the fire in 1898 - Bacigalupi had, shall we say, a "reputation" at the time.

Allen

Supposedly it started in the basement of the hotel, well away from Bacigalupi's corner location. On this photo taken the day afterward, Bacigalupi had hung a huge sign (seen just right of center) reading "OUR PHONOGRAPH PARLOR TOTAL LOSS!" and going on to say (at great length) that he was not defeated and would be reopening at 933 Market.

Rene,

What a spectacular machine. Thanks for sharing photos with us. I love that decal!!

David

Spectacular machine Rene, especially as a whole! The story makes it even better!

I have a very similar horn. Mine is 22" with a 14" bell. The bell is extremely shallow like yours and the body of the horn fairly wide. The hanger is of brass, a complete circle, and soldered in place. It does not move at all, differing from the ring hangers of an H&S horn. The brass that makes up the circular shape is about ½" wide, with edges tucked in all the way around. Before they were tucked in, the width was probably ⅝". Mine too I assume to be "craftsman" made, but they were certainly very good! It's a very heavy horn, even heavier than a "Bell & Tainter " style brass funnel horn.

The cabinet is beautiful as well. I have seen one before, but in my head I want to say it was set up with 5" concert pegs.

Congrats!
Aaron

Incredible find! So appropriate it found a way to your home.

Jerry B.

The story proves that being honest, generous and helpful to those in need are qualities to live by.
I will be looking for part 2 of the story, the cylinders.