The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I just bought an Edison Standard out of an estate. This thing has been completely "restored" with a nice coat of polyurethane on the outside, but at least it works and isn't missing any parts. I'm trying to figure out this horn. Does anybody know if this looks original, or is it just an older repro that's dirty and dusty?

It is original. All reproduction brass bell phonograph horns have a raised ridge inside the horn that you can see (and feel) where the brass bell and the black painted cone have been crimped together. Original brass bell horns are smooth inside at this connection as this one appears to be. Also, reproduction brass bell horns (all that I've seen anyway) have a separate cylindrical section of pipe (basically) attached at the small end of the cone to connect to the reproducer throat. This one does not have this.

Doug

Original, Jerry Blais

Thank you! I've never owned an original witches hat before... seems it's always missing.

I always look for the raised brass bead where the steen cone meets the brass bell. Also an original black & brass 14" horn will have a crimped small end. An original all brass 14" horn has an attached small end. An original black & brass 14" horn may or may not have a patent stamp near the bell. Jerry