The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi guys, looking for advice again, I recently purchased a Edison Model A suitcase style player and am trying to find out what the proper horn, one that would have come with the machine, would be. I also would like to know if anyone would have the name of a reference book on the subject of horns and accessories that could be purchased with a machine when it was new or a on line site that would have that information. Thanks. Bob

Depends on exactly how old it is. They were first introduced with the now scarce funnel horn, but later came with a 14" all brass horn. If I had a standard clip, I would match it with a floor crane and brass horn, as it's a relatively time accurate upgrade.

Martin

I've noticed a surprising number of folks on the Internet lately (especially Facebook groups) referring to their Edisons as simply a "Model A" or "Model B" or "Model D." This is sort of like asking for advice on a Chevrolet "LE" without mentioning whether it's an Impala or a Malibu.

The "suitcase style" narrows it down to being a Home or a Standard. Except for possibly the very last of the "suitcase" Homes and 4-clip Standards, the original horn would have been a 14" funnel-type, supplanted in 1899-1900 by the 14" all-brass horn (listening tubes were also standard equipment).

As for a reference book, do you mean a modern reference or a period catalog?

There are two modern reference books that have chapters on Horns, Cylinder Machine Gadgets, Disc Machine Gadgets, Cabinets and Record Storage, and others. These are, Antique Phonograph Gadgets, Gizmos, and Gimmicks as well as its companion volume, Antique Phonograph Accessories & Contraptions (both by Fabrizio & Paul).

If you're looking for original catalogs online, eBay is probably your best bet, but they don't surface very often there. Scans of many original catalogs are available to APS members as parts of the 30,000-page online archive of documents dating from 1890-present:

http://www.antiquephono.org.

I hope this is helpful.

George P.

Thanks for the information, George I will look for the 2 books you suggested. I thought my description of this player was accurate calling it a model A. As identified in "Compleat Talking Machine" it is a "Home" model A, 1896 - 1901, also called a "Suitcase Home", the case has 4 clips, 2 on the front and 2 on the rear, it also has a banner decal on the top of the lid. I have attached a photo, thanks again.

The fellow that suggested the two books is the co-author. He's too modest to place that in his post plus he sells the books. The books are nothing less than wonderful and should be in every collector's library.

Jerry B.

Bobm90 wrote:I thought my description of this player was accurate calling it a model A. As identified in "Compleat Talking Machine" it is a "Home" model A, 1896 - 1901, also called a "Suitcase Home", the case has 4 clips, 2 on the front and 2 on the rear, it also has a banner decal on the top of the lid. I have attached a photo, thanks again.

Hi Bob,

Your description was 100% accurate - - just not 100% complete. Your description could be applied to the "Standard" as well as to the "Home."

I'm just picking nits, but I'm hoping to alert newcomers that citing the Model nomenclature without the style ("Gem," "Standard," "Home," "Triumph," "Fireside," etc.) is often an invitation to confusion and misinformation (especially on some Facebook Groups).

In this instance, your question could be answered accurately whether it was a Home or a Standard, so please forgive my being a nag about the identification.

Best,
George P.

Hi George,
Thanks for "picking nits", as with any new hobby, there is always much to learn, and I thank you for correcting me, without the constructive criticism how would I learn? You are 100% right lots of items on eBay are incorrectly named, so one can't be guided by what it is called on eBay, sometimes the sellers know less about what they own then the buyers and they are just looking to make a quick buck. Thanks again for all your help.
Have a great day,
Bob