Author Topic: Antique Potted Loudspeaker  (Read 4860 times)

NewGuy

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Antique Potted Loudspeaker
« on: January 20, 2010, 01:21:37 pm »
      Hello every body I am new here. My uncle has quite a few antiques that he would like to know more about and get values on.
      So let me start here. this is some kind of an antique loudspeaker. it is believed to be a 1920s made in California it has a mark of "R1" on one of the sides and that is all we have been able to find on it. The close up picture is of the R1 if you look closely you can make it out.
     Any help is appreciated thank you

fancypants

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Re: Antique Potted Loudspeaker
« Reply #1 on: January 20, 2010, 03:09:24 pm »
Kinda looks more like a candleholder than a potted loudspeaker , to me .
You might want to check for waxy residue on this item .

Could also be an ear horn ?

Could you describe what this item is made from (looks like fired clay , to me) .

Let's see what others say !

Welcome to the forum , NewGuy .
« Last Edit: January 20, 2010, 03:36:34 pm by fancypants »
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railman44

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Re: Antique Potted Loudspeaker
« Reply #2 on: January 20, 2010, 03:14:31 pm »
Very tough to surmise anything without measurments or what it's made of.  I do know fire departments had loud speakers long ago to bark orders from the captain to the fighters. ???

wendy177

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Re: Antique Potted Loudspeaker
« Reply #3 on: January 20, 2010, 03:27:22 pm »
I'm with fancypants on this one. looks very tribal to me and  my gut says maybe another use , will have to do some digging !!!

NewGuy

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Re: Antique Potted Loudspeaker
« Reply #4 on: January 20, 2010, 06:21:16 pm »
It is made out of fired clay and there is no wax or any type of melted stuff on it. its hollow down the center and the top is beveled and smoothed seems to be for mouth comfort. measurements are as follows 9 inches tall top is 1and 3/4 wide and bottom is 3 inches wide. here are pics of top and bottom hope this helps thank you again

KC

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Re: Antique Potted Loudspeaker
« Reply #5 on: January 20, 2010, 06:57:39 pm »
My first impression was an ear horn as well! (Most commonly known as an ear trumpet if you had the more slender ones.)  (You know...for those that are hard of hearing!!!!  Not that anyone on this site may have that problem! :P)

Pretty ornate!
« Last Edit: January 20, 2010, 07:01:15 pm by KC »
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ironlord1963

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Re: Antique Potted Loudspeaker
« Reply #6 on: January 20, 2010, 07:14:50 pm »
     The Folk look of the "Loudspeaker" makes it a bit unusual for a Practical use, i.e. firemans call and or etc.   Just a ideal,  if it was a loud speaker how about one made for a tribal ceramony, Singer Projecting ones voice over the loud drums.   I would vote personnal for a loudspeaker, with the ring positioned where it is, would be a natural placement when using it.  However with the embellishment it has makes it really look ceramonial.  Just a thought. 

wendy177

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Re: Antique Potted Loudspeaker
« Reply #7 on: January 20, 2010, 08:04:34 pm »
Great thought Ironlord!! Used during tribal ceremonies to call to spirits over drums & singing. never would of thought of that!!!

syl

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Re: Antique Potted Loudspeaker
« Reply #8 on: January 20, 2010, 09:58:18 pm »
Isn't this thing we are discussing called a megaphone? Modern terminology anyway. If that's what it was used for.

regularjoe2

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Re: Antique Potted Loudspeaker
« Reply #9 on: January 20, 2010, 11:14:18 pm »
I'd go with the item being an instrument , used like a bugle (or a didgeridoo) .

Thanks for all the info , NewGuy .
« Last Edit: January 20, 2010, 11:21:26 pm by regularjoe2 »

dontbe

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Re: Antique Potted Loudspeaker
« Reply #10 on: January 23, 2010, 06:17:49 pm »
Ironlords Idea has my vote.
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regularjoe2

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Re: Antique Potted Loudspeaker
« Reply #11 on: January 24, 2010, 01:21:40 am »
Still lookin' / scratchin' my head on this one .

KC

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Re: Antique Potted Loudspeaker
« Reply #12 on: January 24, 2010, 08:09:13 pm »
Myself as well....none of it seems like a fit!
I'm from the South - but please don't mistake my Southern Manners/Accent/Charm as a weakness!

cogar

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Re: Antique Potted Loudspeaker
« Reply #13 on: January 25, 2010, 06:39:32 am »
Me thinks it is a bugle.