The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

In a previous thread, I asked a question regarding US trademark models (whether Berliner or Johnson branded) had a brass all nickel plated horn as an option offered. I have reviewed catalogs in my collection and can not find any reference to such a horn.

Berliner in Canada did offer a nickel horn option for a very short time and then dropped it....probably due to high cost ($4.50) and the $15.00 trademark becoming archaic. Based on the few known, the construction appears to be identical to the all brass horn offered at ($3.00)

In Europe and the UK, a nickel plated horn was offered for a longer period of time and are quite different in construction. They have a raised rim where the bell is joined to the horn body and around the outer bell. I'm posting three pics of the nickel plated horn and a Canadian all brass horn for comparison.

Does a member have a Berliner, Consolidated, ERJ or VTM catalog showing such a trademark horn offered..?.

I appreciate any information.

I believe that the American Berliners only came standard with a black Japanned Horn or an optional all brass seamed horn.

Aftermarket options included a fiber "Linene" Horn, Seamless all brass horn, Black and Brass Horn, and the Nickel Horn (silveroid).

Bob S.

Zwebie wrote:I believe that the American Berliners only came standard with a black Japanned Horn or an optional all brass seamed horn.

Aftermarket options included a fiber "Linene" Horn, Seamless all brass horn, Black and Brass Horn, and the Nickel Horn (silveroid).

Bob S.

Bob, thanks for your input. I think a black & brass horn was offered as a factory option for later style trademark models....like the ERJ and Victor Type B.

Do you have a pic of a "silveroid" horn..?. I don't think I have ever seen one.

I saw the ad for a "Silveroid" Horn in an old reprinted Hawthorne & Sheble catalog.

It states, Silveroid, length 14 inches, with 8 ¼ inch spun bell, price $1.50.

When I purchased my 1898 Berliner it did not have a horn. I purchased the Nickel Horn at Union. It is 14 inches long, with a 9 ½ inch bell. I don't know if it is aftermarket or foreign, but it matched the machine so well, I paired them up. It is now one of the highlights of my collection.

Cheers, Bob S.

Bob, the H&S catalog is interesting. None of the horn sizes seem to match what would be considered "trademark" size. Here is the horn list from the Canadian Berliner catalog. Seems your horn closely matches the size listed in there.
Your nickel horn sure looks sweet on your machine.