The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I picked this box up this morning at Canal Days in Metamora, Indiana. Unfortunately, the Automatic Stopper isn't in the box, but the factory brake it must have replaced, is. Anyone have any information about the industrial giant, Utica Crane Company of Utica, New York?

I can't help much with information on the company, but love the box. This kind of thing makes a collection interesting to me. It adds a whole new dimension to collecting. Thanks for sharing the pic!

I can't offer much on the Utica Crane Company either. The firm advertised an Automatic Stopper for the Edison Home in the October 1907 issue of The Talking Machine World. In December 1907, the company placed an ad for an Automatic Stopper for the Standard, and the same month advertised an adjusting device for the new (at first non-adjustable) Edison cranes that had been introduced 90 days before. These ads are illustrated below.

No more ads from the U.C.Co. appeared in the Talking Machine World until September 1908, when the company placed its 4th and final ad:

BARGAIN 300 First Class Utica Cranes (Unopened) for All Edison Machines. Regular Dealer's Price, $1.00. MAKE US CASH OFFER ON THE LOT. Address OPPORTUNITY, care of Talking Machine World, 1 Madison Avenue, New York

Based on what appeared in the TMW, it seems the Utica Crane Company wasn't spending much on advertising, and by September 1908 was ready to throw in the towel.

I too really like the box!

George P.

Sorry for the delayed response, George. I haven't had internet connectivity since my last post until now. Thank you for the detailed response. Utica Crane Company was a new one for me.