The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello everyone,

I am a young collector (20 years old)and my friend on Instagram (phono_fluff) send me here. Its been extremely fun collecting records and phonographs for about two years and I have a few questions about some of the things I've acquired.

Firstly, I found an Edison Standard B with a searchlight horn. I know nothing about the searchlight horns sadly.. does anyone have any knowledge about them they can tell me? I am also going to repaint it using one of the original color schemes.

I have 7 phonographs at the moment, Edison B-250, Brunswick Cortez, Edison Standard,Columbia Favorite, Columbia model k-2, Columbia model 240 and a Brunswick 200.
Regarding the Columbia, it has a circular motor board and a curved horn... are these rare? I haven't seen too many pictures of them with the curved horn and circular motor board. what color is the Columbia model 240 supposed to be? It was black when I got it, and refinished it... but I didnt stain the wood. If anyone knows the right color, I'll probably go back and re re-finish it so it looks right.
does anyone know how the auto-brake on the Columbia K-2 works?

I have a couple Symphony series Columbia records. As I was recording one them I noticed some scratches about the label. It appears to be the signature of the woman who sung on the record. Is that possible? How do I know if its real?

Does anyone have any tips for me? Whether its machine care, or just in collecting in general.

thanks,
David

David, Welcome to the Talking Machine Forum. There are many fine members here and it's a great place where new and experienced collector exchange ideas. Be sure to play with the search feature to get answers to some of your questions. But also ask questions.

The smaller Searchlight horn is less frequently seen compared to the larger one. The Searchlight design is very rugged but the paint is frequently very poor. They must not have been poorlyl prepped at the factory. You'll find several threads and comments suggesting they be painted in a translucent color.

I would encourage you to get acquainted with other collectors near your location. If you're near Albany, Oregon please send a PM (personal message) and stop for a visit. I'd suggest editing your profile to give a general or specific location.

Looks like you have a good start on an interesting collection. My advice... Always buy what you like and buy the best quality you can afford. If you like projects buy ones that, when complete, are interesting machines.

Welcome to the Forum! Jerry Blais

The "signed" records are not uncommon. A few labels like Columbia and Fonotipia (among others) would have the artist sign the master recording, and then the signature would be reproduced on each record. This was a way to signify the artist's approval of the record.

In other words, you don't have an original signature, just a copy.

Welcome to the TMF. Remember that the only dumb question is the one that's unasked. Or something like that...

Searchlight Horns were not an Edison product, but rather one of many aftermarket horns offered for Edison and Columbia machines. Here's a page from Antique Phonograph Gadgets, Gizmos, and Gimmicks that will give you some good background on them. (Click the image twice to enlarge it.)

George P.

Thanks George P. for that info on the "Searchlight Horns". I did not know that they came out of Brooklyn. Great history..

Much Thanks again.

Tony K.

:O)

Edison Collector/Restorer

You're welcome, Tony!

George P.

NEFaurora wrote:Thanks George P. for that info on the "Searchlight Horns". I did not know that they came out of Brooklyn. Great history..

Much Thanks again.

Tony K.

:O)

Edison Collector/Restorer

Tony, if your haven't already invested in George & Tim's books....you may want to as they are invaluable to this hobby and a wealth of information.

Tony, if your haven't already invested in George & Tim's books....you may want to as they are invaluable to this hobby and a wealth of information.

And if you order books from George I bet he'll autograph them as well. You just can't beat a deal like that!

Jerry Blais

Jerry B. wrote:

Tony, if your haven't already invested in George & Tim's books....you may want to as they are invaluable to this hobby and a wealth of information.

And if you order books from George I bet he'll autograph them as well. You just can't beat a deal like that!

Jerry Blais

I'll even sign them "Ken Follett" or "John Grisham" if you like!

George P.

I already have a shelf full of George P. 's and Tim F.'s Books.... They are wonderful books. A lot went into each one of them and fabulous photos to boot... A must for any collector..

but, ironically, I don't have a copy "Antique Phonograph Gadgets, Gizmos, and Gimmicks"....from where that specific page about the "Searchlight" Horn info came from...

It figures...lol..


)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer