The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have had this edison cygnet horn for a few years. It has silk wrapping on the narrow end. I can't say that I have seen any other cygnets with this. Did this come this way from the factory or was this done after the fact?

I've never seen documentation of wrapped Cygnet horns. Hawthorne & Sheble offered "Silk Finish" horns, but by the time the Cygnet was introduced in 1909, H&S was out of business. In all likelihood, this was applied to your cygnet by the original owner.

George P.

Could this be a repair? My Great-Grandfather's cracked tack hammer handle has this same type of wrapping (don't know if it's silk or not). I rather like it. It's neatly done and lends character.

- Martin

it may be to cover up damage, paint loss or rust

Some time back a collector in NZ send me pics of his Amberola 80, the one in the S-19 cabinet. The horn had been professionally papered with newspaper, I assume to dampen the sound on the metal horn.

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Highly unlikely it was done at the factory. If they were to silk the lower part, I would think that the whole lower relief-ed part would be silked, not just part of it. It could of been silked by the owner to protect the lower portion rather than cover up damage. Only one way to find out...

Steve

Best I can tell there are no breaks or cracks although I cannot be 100% sure. I have considered pulling it off on numerous occasions but it does add a bit of character to it. if it was sloppy looking I would have done it without question but it does seem to have been well done.

I would leave it alone if it looks good. Who knows what adhesive was used to adhere it to the horn elbow.

Steve

I've seen an occasional Edison Cygnet elbow in brass under the paint but never one wrapped in silk. I suspect it was done by the original owner. Jerry Blais