The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Found in the Wilds of Facebook Marketplace, Early Edison Home 4 latch Suitcase, 2 and 4 minute conversion with Model O Reproducer and Music Master Horn and trunk full of cylinders. It appears to have a “Hilton” Speed Meter. Is that an aftermarket piece? The horn needs a little work, but it has good bones and good decal. I’ve never seen a horn quite like this one. The machine had been passed down through the family, but the current owner didn’t know any history, I may convert it back to a 2 minute machine, opinions welcome.

What a crazy hodgepodge. I like its eccentricity. I think the badged crank is actually too early for it, judging by the serial number, but George’s probably going to set us straight on that.

If it was mine, I’d leave it as is. The owner’s diligence in upgrading it, using the upgrade path as designed by Edison, is to be celebrated, not erased.

Jackpot!
... and a treasure chest besides!

James.

I have to add my 2 cents in also, I wouldn't convert it back. It shows how even the earliest Edison phonos could be modernized with a minimum of effort. Clean it up, find a period crane for the Music Master horn and show it off.

I have a Spring Motor and a Banner front Triumph that were upgraded to 2/4 minute gearing, model O reproducers and Cygnet horns and I have no desire to change them.

Your Home 19605 was sold in Oct 1899, Sorry George if I stepped on your toes ;-(

The speed control is nice addition.

Chuck

It's a marvel!

Always astounds me when I see this stuff. All I ever see are off brands and VV-XIs. Very nice looking, and early machine, with all the features of a late one!

Great find. Don't see the Hilton speed indicator and the horn often too

Stephen

I agree that I'd keep it the way it is. This one tells a story.

The Hilton Speed Indicator is a cool little accessory!

And yes, the badged crank predates the machine by at least a year, but what a nice "replacement" it is...

I had one of those straight Music Master horns back in the 70s. I don't recall the exact circumstances, but money was tight, so I reluctantly decided I'd need to sell the horn. An advanced collector told me at the time that Sheip & Vandegrift never manufactured horns like this. He was particularly put off by the simple ring hanger, and insisted that Music Master horns all had more substantial hangers. Whether he was trying to buy it for a pittance, or perhaps he believed it, but there was no doubt in my mind of the horn's originality. I don't remember who bought it, but they paid my price. A few years later, he had to sheepishly admit that the horn was indeed original. I've seen only a handful over the years.

Congratulations!

George P.

Nice find , I believe I would leave it as is. , Larry

Fascinating photos. Looks like some brown wax cylinders in that case as well. What was the cost? It couldn’t have been too cheap. Great photos!