The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have a crane, quite intricate, unmarked. I wish to know its identity and value. But first, how do I post photographs on here??? Thank you

I tried posting photos from my IPhone 6 and the site will not except them - so I send them from my IPhone to my PC and then to the site - the long way but it works.

It's a Chicago Horn Support. I think there's a photograph of it in one of the Paul/Fabrizio books. Should be an April 1901 patent date on it somewhere. Might be obscured by oxidation.

--Grant

Yes, it's a Chicago Horn Support.

George P.

Thanks, guys. I don't have the book, nor does the local library. I've been searching for the patent, but no luck so far. Any more information from anyone would be most appreciated. Any idea of the value?

The 4/23/1901 date sometimes seen stamped on this crane refers to U.S. Patent No.672,705 granted to Lewis P. Halladay. This covered only the design of the collapsible supports which attached to the horn. This design was first used in the "Imperial Folding Horn Stand" which was marketed in 1900 (for $1.50) by the Halladay Hardware Co. of Marion, Indiana. Frank Prescott also sold these floor stands.

The balance of the Chicago Horn Support was protected by U.S. Patent No.836,031, granted to Lewis P. Halladay on November 13, 1906. Advertisements for this device first appeared in The Talking Machine World in August 1906.

George P.

Looking at "sold" listing on Ebay, that type of crane sells for between $100-$200.00. Your best bet it to sell it on Ebay.