Many thanks for allowing me to join this excellent forum and resource. I own a Decca Dulcephone (AKA: "Trench") portable Model 1 that I would like to restore.
However, it seems to have been significantly modified during its lifetime.
Here's a summary:
- The case is a black leatherette (textured resin on cloth) covering thin plywood or possibly fiberboard.
The inside of the lid has an aluminum "bowl" (Dulceflex)
The "Decca" and patent oval decals are still present in the upper corners of the Dulceflex bowl.
The paper label seems to be an early one. It shows "Style, Number, Assembly, (damaged), and Packed By." Written just above the "Style" area, I can make out the number sequence of 505.18 - which I assume to be the manufacturing date of May 5, 1918. The (Serial?) Number is 37937, a relatively low number as compared to some 1920s-era versions.
The original Paillard/Thorens motor was replaced with a Gallard No. 14 at some point after 1930. New holes have been drilled into the baseboard to fit the Gallard motor. One of which has obscured part of the original label.
The brake may or may not be original to this machine. I suspect it may not be.
The speed adjustment is likely not original to this machine. The holes are still present showing where the original speed adjustment would have been attached the the baseboard.
There is a provision for a chain to be attached to the baseboard and lid - though it is missing.
The platen seems to be original to the machine.
The horn is marked with "R.D. 631877" and "Patent 3033" only.
The soundbox is unmarked and may or may not be original to the machine.
Should I even attempt to restore this machine back to its original 1918 state? Or restore its altered post-1930 state?
If the former, what motor should I be looking for? A Paillard, yes. But which one?
Can anyone show me (or direct me to) what the speed control on an original 1914-1918 machine looks like?
I have attached several pics showing the above details. Happy to provide more details if requested.
Many thanks in advance for your knowledge, insights, and advice. It is deeply appreciated.
Michael (mbhdesign)