The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi all you experts out there. Is this a recording horn, a homemade horn or what? 23" in length, bell is 13" in diameter. I am thinking about selling it but not sure. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! Lee

Although often inaccurately called a "recording horn" by collectors, this is actually a "26-inch standard tin horn," as described by George Tewksbury in his Complete Manual of the Edison Phonograph in 1897. We quoted from Tewksbury's chapter titled, "Horns and Tubes" on pages 9 and 10 of Antique Phonograph Gadgets, Gizmos, and Gimmicks. The earliest examples of these 26-inch tin horns will feature strap-type hangers with ridges pressed into them and double-seamed construction (2 halves fastened together). Later on, adjustable wire hangers and ring hangers (like yours) were used, along with single-seam construction (a 1-piece body). These horns were commonly used from the North American period until being remaindered by Sears, Roebuck & Co. in 1902-03.

Yours has double stripes, but they are found with single stripes too.

George P.

George, thank you very much for the detailed answer. Gave me a little bit more respect for this horn. I think that I will keep it for now.
Very best, Lee Baker

One was for sale at the last CAMPS meeting. I think it was $200

I have 2 on my Concert. The second one I bought, I assumed that the stripes would all be in the same place but I was wrong....

Thanks to everyone for all of the information and photos! Lee

I have a funnel horn for a Columbia BC. It's the only one I've ever seen. Are there any more out there? Let me know if there is. Thanks

That's quite a horn, Paul! I really like the interior stripe.

I cannot reconcile a horn like that, with a strap hanger, being intended for a BC (introduced in 1905). It seems quite anachronistic. Ditto for Max Wurcker. That said, I don't know what it would have fit in the 1890s.

A very interesting and appealing horn!

George P.

The horn came from Canada. That should explain why it would appear to be outdated for a BC.

I took measurements of the nipple ends on the cone horn and an all brass 56" original BC horn and they measured the same as seen in the photos. I have no doubt that this funnel horn was used on a BC originally