The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

That's an export horn.

Yep, out here you could get them blue, green, red & (I think yellow). The same applied to our cygnet horns, although we only got 11 panel cygnets on all models.

Some pictures from the listing for future reference.

I've never seen a black gem with a coloured horn before, so I'm not sure if this horn belongs to this machine. I've seen this "gem" horn on a few Firesides & red Gems, and the larger coloured straight & cygnet horns on the fireside & larger models. I dont think the coloured horns were introduced until 1910, but I could be wrong.

This is the same horn on a fireside, and a green cygnet.

You Aussies are lucky! I wonder why the colors weren't offered in the U.S.? That green cygnet is a beauty.

George P.

What strikes me funny is the case looks way too shiney - like is is coated (God forbid) with modern polyurethane. Am I wrong here?

briankeith wrote:What strikes me funny is the case looks way too shiney - like is is coated (God forbid) with modern polyurethane. Am I wrong here?

It's very glossy like someone put a finish over it. Original finishes don't reflect light like that.

Other machines from this New Jersey seller have had that very high gloss finish as I have looked at some of his past sales. I would rather have an unrestored finish with a worn decal any day. I really hate the gold pinstripe decals used on the Edison bedplates. With a very steady hand and a good quality gold paint and brush, it looks so much better to repaint the pinstripes, especially on the black Edison Gems. Thats my take anyway. Brian Keith