The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi Boys and Girls! Lori and I picked up this horn a couple of weekends ago from a long time collector who knew nothing about it. My attempts to identify its maker, or origins, have been unsuccessful. It has ten panels, 26 inches diameter. Each panel is kind of puffed out, or channeled, and the scallops are quite pronounced. Can anyone tell me what it is? Russie.

That's the "Lily" Horn, manufactured in Newark, N.J. by the Standard Metal Manufacturing Company.

George P.

Thanks Geo. I wonder if there is a reference or ad copy somewhere to reference? Cheers, Russie

Of course. Here's a page from the June 1908 issue of The Talking Machine World:

George P.

My most favorite horn! Congratulations. I have one in blue and one in red. There were two sizes that I'm aware of. Mine are both the large variety, as I believe yours is. I have only seen one example of the smaller size.

I like those "Lily" horns too. We showed a beautiful red one in Antique Phonograph Accessories & Contraptions, but here's a photo of my lesser example: I'm a fan of all the Standard M.M.Co. horns, and was delighted years ago to learn that the firm took over the Searchlight horn manufacture. You either love or hate Searchlight horns... Here's one that I like very much. It was originally a vivid purple, but has faded into a delicate iridescent rose color: Way to go, Standard!

George P.