The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Were the red Fireside horns always two piece units or were they at one time produced as a one piece horn? Thank you. Gerard

The earliest red horns were one piece.
Gene

Thank you very much sir for your reply. I recently purchased a one piece red Fireside horn. Could you please tell me if you can, how can I tell if this horn is original? Gerard

Please post some photos of your horn.
Thanks,
Gene

Gene, I will post some pictures over the weekend as time permits. In the meantime, why do you think such a relatively small horn such as this was changed to a two piece horn? Gerard

It was more compact and probably cheaper to ship as a two piece horn. (just a guess) Jerry

Jerry,
I would've guessed the same.
Gene

Thank you Jerry and Gene for your replies and your time to make them. As an engineer I tend to doubt that shipping cost was the determining factor, since the manufacturing expenditures to form the mating threads (the cone and bell ) would far surpass the few extra pennies in transportation cost. Shipping in the early 1900's was almost as cheap as Jerry charges to deliver a slew of machines from Oregon to the east coast! I am always in awe of his generosity to offer his time,care and possible backaches to complete such a task.
When I began college 32 years ago, one of my first engineering professors made a statement that I have carried through my career and that is " NO SUPPOSITION OR IDEA IS INCORRECT UNTIL PROVEN INVALID." So Gene and Jerry, until the opportunity for me to go back in time (which as of this writing seems unlikely ha ha ) and ask Edison himself, your collective idea/belief has as much credence as any I can arrive at---because I have none. Thank you again. Gerard

Hi

All Fireside and Gems horns in Australia are one piece.

cheers

Budsta, I find that extremely interesting and I truly appreciate your reply from half way across the world!! In August and September of last year while in Japan through work I had the opportunity to visit Australia and my time spent there was so enjoyable that my wife and I will be returning in November for three weeks. It will be her first time and my first vacation in a long time unencumbered by work constraints.
What is your opinion sir, as to the reason why the Fireside and Gem horns are one piece in your continent while the same horns are for the most part two piece horns in the U.S.A.?
I would truly appreciate your advice and input. Gerard