The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I recently purchased some phonograph items and this was included in the lot. I first thought that it might be a recording horn, but now I'm thinking that it may be a come for the hard of hearing given the shape of the small end. It has a patent date on the small end of July 20, 1925. Anyone out there know what it is, as well as what it might be worth? Cylinder included in pic for size reference.

Thanks!

I'm afraid the item has nothing to do with phonographs. The year of the patent is 1926, long after recording horns of this general shape were being used with regularity. The design of the small end looks like a mouthpiece, and I suspect it is a noisemaker of some sort. Check to see if a reed device is inside.

If the end piece unscrews, it may be a kazoo with its diaphragm missing.

George P.

Some sort of noisemaker- there would have been a metal reed in the small end. Very like the one in this clip: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xt0TTZIqFbQ[/youtube]

Very helpful, thanks George!

Don't forget Eric - - he provided the video!

George P.

Yes, thank you Eric for the cool video evidence as well!