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Anyone have any info on this crane which came with my Edison Home? Excuse the photography .......

That's a Hawthorne & Sheble (pronounced "Sheb-lee") No.5 crane. The U.S. Patent was filed for on November 7, 1904 and granted October 23, 1906 (No.834,202). This crane was advertised in trade journals by March 1905 and retailed for $2.50. An article describing the entire line of Hawthorne & Sheble horn cranes appeared on the September 2010 issue of The Sound Box. The No.5 was one of the most popular cranes in the industry.

George P.

Thanks much, definitely a neat crane.

You're very welcome. They are great cranes - - lots of flexibility and so overbuilt... They anticipated Steampunkt.

The No.5 originally came with brown felt glued to the 2 surfaces that contact the front of the cabinet. Most of the time, this felt has dried up and fallen off, but you can apply self-adhesive felt pads cut down to size & shape.

George P.

Sometime I should think about replating the base of mine....

We need someone to start reproducing these - how many machines out there are just dying for a crane such as this. Would make great gifts, Xmas, birthdays, fathers day, etc. $$$$

What would be an appropriate style crane for a suitcase Home? I have a (about) 30" black/brass bell horn that I would like to use with mine. I do have a floor crane that will work, but am interested in having a machine - mounted crane.

Jim

The Hawthorne & Sheble No.4 was heavily advertised showing it on an Edison suitcase Home. Unfortunately, the No.4 requires 2 brackets to be screwed into the rear of the cabinet. A Tea Tray Company crane - the type that has a steel strap under the cabinet - might be a better choice.

George P.