Back in the day they were called bulb horns and were the standard horn on pre-war cars. Somewhere along the line they began to be called squeeze horns. This begs the question… Who was the first clown to use a squeeze horn (was it Harpo?) because nowadays they’re also referred to as clown horns.
From Bonham’s auction house! Beautiful ‘bulb horns’ from the early 1900s.
I have two “Le Testophone” (made by Cicca) 4-horn, bulb horns in for repairs at the moment. Interesting mechanism for the note changes. I don’t suppose you have any further info on these particular horns? I saw an old Bonhams auction that included an original instruction sheet/manual, I wish there was a copy!
Would be fascinating to make one from scratch but I’m sure the market just isn’t there!
Best, From the UK.
Hi Dan, Sorry just seeing this now. Yes it’s hard to believe they had attained such a high level of craftmanship and then more or less disappeared. I’m guessing that some of the expertise ended up in musical instruments. I will keep an eye out for the manual. Best, John
Wow.Seems like someone would make replicas of hand cranked aoogha klaxons,and some 4-5 trumpet squeezers.Wow.R.
They are beautiful. I have looked into it and occasionally do a deep dive into YouTube to see if anyone’s come up with something. Eventually I was able to get my hands on one of these. It’s a real piece of work. Very well made. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BELGn5qlP20
I knew about this type of horn but I didn’t know there are so many different types. It’s amazing!
I have two “Le Testophone” (made by Cicca) 4-horn, bulb horns in for repairs at the moment. Interesting mechanism for the note changes. I don’t suppose you have any further info on these particular horns? I saw an old Bonhams auction that included an original instruction sheet/manual, I wish there was a copy!
Would be fascinating to make one from scratch but I’m sure the market just isn’t there!
Best, From the UK.
Hi Dan, Sorry just seeing this now. Yes it’s hard to believe they had attained such a high level of craftmanship and then more or less disappeared. I’m guessing that some of the expertise ended up in musical instruments. I will keep an eye out for the manual. Best, John
Wow.Seems like someone would make replicas of hand cranked aoogha klaxons,and some 4-5 trumpet squeezers.Wow.R.
They are beautiful. I have looked into it and occasionally do a deep dive into YouTube to see if anyone’s come up with something. Eventually I was able to get my hands on one of these. It’s a real piece of work. Very well made. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BELGn5qlP20
I knew about this type of horn but I didn’t know there are so many different types. It’s amazing!
Right?! Love them.