The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi. Edison fireside that I have encountered usually come with a flowery horn. However I recently saw one which come with a brass horn in a local antique store, something like in the photo below. The store claims that it’s original in all parts. May I ask if this is truly so? Thanks so much. I understand that it’s a Fireside combination type model A.

It's an original horn, but not original to the Fireside. Firesides were not originally equipped with 14-inch black & brass horns. The seller is correct that it's "all original," but only in that the parts are original...but not to that machine.

The cabinet base molding and the lid's front molding have sections missing. But they too are "original."

Firesides were originally equipped with a 19-inch maroon flower horn or a No.10 Cygnet horn.

George P.

Hi George, thank you so much for your reply. The Fireside also carries a model C reproducer. Think this is also not right as the correct original reproducer should be model K?

But is it true that Fireside does come with a combination of 2 and 4 mins capability?

And do you mind to share how much you think it's value should roughly be given that it's horn and reproducer are incorrect but it's in a good running order?

Thank you.

You're very welcome.

You are correct that the Model A Fireside was originally equipped with a Model K Reproducer. (The Model B Fireside was 4-minutes only and equipped with a Diamond B Reproducer.) A Fireside equipped with a Model C will be valued at substantially less than one with a Model K.

As for value, this will partially depend on whether you're interested in buying this, or selling it. If you're considering buying it, I'd strongly recommend finding a better example. In either event, I'd need either several more images and a video of it playing before attempting an intelligent appraisal. Firesides have a rather fragile gold and blue pinstripe decal on the upper works which is easily ruined by the inexperienced when cleaning. The cabinet shows signs of a clumsy cleaning/refinish which - along with the damage to the cabinet molding - suggest further hidden surprises from the responsible "handyman." A motor can run well or run poorly. A Reproducer may or may not have a good stylus. If you have access to this Fireside, you can assess it's value using the Antique Phonograph Society's free Public Price Guide:

https://www.antiquephono.org/#/

Just click on the "Introductory Articles" button and it will drop down. BE SURE TO READ ABOUT DETERMINING CONDITION. This Fireside carries several red flags in the single image which will discourage an experienced collector.

Best of luck,
George P.