The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I picked up this pre-dog Victor E at an estate sale with serial #33257. It has a 7 inch turn table and I date it between 1902 and 1903. What caught my eye was the flowered horn. I am certain this is an after market horn for which I have not seen on another Victor E. It has the tapering tone arm and not the rigid arm like it's predecessor and comes with the Exhibition reproducer. The condition is excellent and all original. The shellac on the tone arm and bracket has oranged quite a bit. I like the way it looks and I plan to leave it this way or should I remove it? What do you all think? I know the bullet brake and speed control lost their nickling years ago so by leaving the shellac it makes the machine more uniform. Does anyone know who may have produced the horn for the Vic E during this time period? Maybe the horn was purchased later as an upgrade? Any information on this machine is appreciated. Thanks!

That backbracket appears to be much too large for this little "E" and may have been added later in it's life. Possibly by a dealer wanting to clearout some overrun of parts he had on hand. This machine should have the smaller type backbracket and tonearm combination that is shared by the "E" and the earlier Vic I. Looks good and a very nice horn indeed.

Wes

A most interesting horn!

I've never seen painted decorations on the outer panels of a flower horn. They and the interior decorations certainly are professionally done, but the style differs a bit from what we see on other horns of the period. I can't tell any more from the photos. But even if the painting was done in the 1940s/50s, I wouldn't change a thing - it's a striking horn!

Are there any markings stamped into the horn's collar?

George P.

I agree with Wes. The tone arm looks too big. A good check is to roll the reproducer into a playing position and checking where the needle is in relationship to the spindle. I suspect when you try this, the needle is past the spindle towards the front of the machine. It does look like a very interesting horn. Aftermarket horns made for Victor were made by quite a few companies but must have sold in fairly small numbers. I think they add interest to a machine. Jerry Blais

The horn, whoever the maker, is interesting and quite handsome. As for the rest, if it were mine, just perhaps a gentle cleaning.

Clay