The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi All
Help wanted: Started cleaning the horn today with mild soapy water, lots of dirt coming off. Carefully wire wool cleaning the metal work which is quite rusty so I think I will paint it as there was not much original finish left. Still looking for any information were they made/sold in USA or UK?.
Zapper

I was going to bid on that myself at the auction but my brain did it's thing and I totally forgot about it until it had ended.

They were made in the USA, It's the 'Ideal' Folding horn, marketed by the 'Ideal fastener company' a patent exists from 1906 by J.T Brown showing a similar type of horn design.

It's worth mentioning not to attempt to collapse the horn, it has likely become so fragile over the years of being in it's current form that the fabric would not take to well to being collapsed down again and could split

Here's the first advertisement for the Ideal Folding Horn to appear in The Talking Machine World. October 1907.

George P.

Thank you Alex and George for your replies. I will continue with the restoration and post the results when finished
Brian

It would be great if you could find someone to re-make the fabric panels correctly and restore it back to its original working condition. The fabric looks like it's too far gone to be able to open and close again... It would be a worthy restoration to spend some money on, since it is an uncommon horn. I'm hoping that you have the necessary skills to properly restore this... Post pics of your progress.

Just finished the cleaning of my ‘Ideal’ folding horn. Thanks George for the magazine extract. I realised that the ‘collar’ was nickel plated. It being impossible to separate so I have decided to leave at present and consider option of painting. Connected it to the Standard model B bought with the horn and all is playing fine. Really pleased with the results. Another piece of phonograph history saved. You can compare it to the original auction photo.
Brian

I love it! It's items like yours that make collecting so interesting.

Jerry B.

The horn looks great! I wouldn't do any more to it.

George P.

Ditto the above posts! What a great transformation. Nice job!

Cheers,
Fran

Fantastic job the horn looks great!

Bruce