The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I thought the only flowered horn Edison ever had was the blue one on the Standard E. What is this?

Maybe you are unaware that this "flowering or decorating" of horns was a real cottage industry back in the day. Many small companies were offering this service if you wished to have your horn done up. Of course this is considered "after market".

Yea, I do know that. But the Edison decal confuses me.

gramophone78 wrote:Many small companies were offering this service if you wished to have your horn done up. Of course this is considered "after market".

Wayne answered your question, but I'll add...it's an Edison horn that was likely decorated further AFTER it was bought from an Edison dealer, or perhaps even by the dealer themselves (although Edison probably would have frowned on this).

Sean

OrthoSean wrote:

gramophone78 wrote:Many small companies were offering this service if you wished to have your horn done up. Of course this is considered "after market".

Wayne answered your question, but I'll add...it's an Edison horn that was likely decorated further AFTER it was bought from an Edison dealer, or perhaps even by the dealer themselves (although Edison probably would have frowned on this).

Sean

That makes sense. I know that the only flowered horn issued by Edison was the blue horn with the Standard E. I suppose anyone with the skill could have just taken a standard black horn and decorated it themselves.

Are the flowers actually painted on or are they decals?

howardpgh wrote:Are the flowers actually painted on or are they decals?

Generally these "after market" decorations were hand painted. If you study the flowers you will find inconsistencies... .