Mystery Horn, and Crane

[Aaron]

For quite some time now, I've had the following two items. Though both are not connected, or even part of the same purchase, I hated to flood the forum with two different post about each item individually.

The first is a horn, with a very early style. Typically these are seen in brass, and with more of a "handle" style hanger, where as this simply has a hook. I have never seen one in this finish, which isn't nickel, but more of a galvanized, or gun metal type. The seams, and slices visual inside the bell are very professional, whether from a factory, or just a local tinsmith. That's where you all come in

The next item is the top section of a horn crane. A fellow collector had it for quite some time, and many inquired about it. Finally I did enough convincing (whining ) and I was able to purchase it. The complete circle is a design I have seen many times in early catalogs typically paired with early Bell Tainter, and class M machines, but I have not seen this particular one.

Perhaps you can all give me some help making head or tails of these pieces!

Thanks All!
Aaron

[Shawn]

Aaron,

Your partial crane is indeed appropriate for the Bell Tainter era. I've attached a picture of a complete version of your crane. These are called sometimes called hoop cranes. They were some of the earliest examples of floor cranes.

The horn is cool as well.

Shawn

[estott]

It is also possible that your crane is a birdcage support

[phonogfp]

Aaron,

Shawn has already shown a complete floor stand that appears identical to yours. Here are a couple of others which I believe are Hawthorne & Sheble - - at least one is illustrated on page 13 of the 1901 H&S catalog as the "No.3." (I believe you have a copy of this catalog as well.) By the way, 1901 is the latest I have seen these circular-style horn supports listed in catalogs.

Your horn looks professionally made, but I've never seen it in a catalog (nor another existing example). I'd guess (but it's only a guess) that it is the product of a small firm or a single craftsman of the period.

George P.

[Aaron]

Shawn, thank you for the picture. I have yet to see one similar to mine, and that is the exact one!

George, the cranes you show are what I typically see. In my catalog, as well as others. But my I have yet to ever find my example in a catalog thus my curiosity.

I concur on you suspicions about the horn. I believed when I first bought it that it was from a tin smith of the day, or some small firm. But I never really asked around for other opinions. Like I mentioned as well as you stated, it appears very professionally done, but I have never seen a reference to it. One thing I do know, is that it was well for the $50 I paid for it come closing time 2 years ago in Wayne

Regards,
Aaron

[MTPhono]

Great items Aaron - right in my wheelhouse!

Is the decoration around the horn embossed or painted?

[Aaron]

The decoration around the bell is indeed embossed. Even over the seam of the bell. This is one characteristic that I feel really makes it the product of some professional. Whether a factory or otherwise. The seam, edges, and embossing are all processes well out of the realm of someone in the shed with a few old ash tubs laying around

Aaron

[Andersun]

Both items are very nice and will greatly complement the early period machines!

[phonogal]

Could the horn possibly be some kind of a funnel instead of a horn? Many old funnels were made with that type of small hanging ring on the lip and some were embossed or decorated.