The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Although similar to a Zonophone crank, it looks way to big (18cm long!). The handle itself is in brass.
So gramophone or music box?
Thanks,
Jeff

Jeff,

First: I know NOTHING about this! But let's not let that stop me from giving you my opinion!!!

"Grandfather" clock crank?

-Michael

Hi Michael and thanks for trying!!!
Although a "Grandfather" clock is huge, in fact it just needs a very small crank.
So, I will assume that this large crank is for a music box and my Zonophone will remain orphan (I mean without his crank.)
Thanks again,
Jeff

It's a Zonophone crank. I don't know for what model. The knob however should be wood. The thing I can't tell from your photos is if the rest of the crank is also a nicely made reproduction. Any signs of nickle plating? If you look into the end of the crank, can you see a cross pin, that would engage with a Zonophone motor shaft?

NOT a Zonophone crank in my opinion... It appears to be a Symphonion music box crank, which is almost identical to a Zonophone crank.

It does have the pin, signs of nickle plating and the brass knob is original.
Given its size, I think that Curt is right and that it is a Symphonion crank (music box as their gramophone were small and rather fragile) ;
Thanks all for your input,
Jeff

Well then, if the brass knob is original, as you believe, then no, it wouldn't be for a Zonophone. Then again, I've never seen a brass knob on a Symphonion either, but I guess I probably have not "seen it all". Any Symphonion crank that I have seen seems to have a more slender "S" curve and a shaft with a much shorter, large diameter section. Also, a very different knob, be it brass or wood. That brass knob looks very much like a Zonophone shape. Personally, I doubt that it's original, but you have it in front of you, to look at closely, and I do not.