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Would appreciate if anyone could comment on the attached machine. Can we identify country of origin and how original the machine is? Is that the original horn and back bracket? I'm looking at the point where the back bracket has been attached to the case. Any "funny business" there? And what about that large crank escutcheon? Are we looking at a marriage of parts from different machines?

Thanks,

John

From the 1911/12 Beka catalogue, this similar machine has the identical decorative metal plaque :

Yes, quite similar. But the large crank escutcheon causes some concern for me. Could it mean the motor has been changed and thus require a different crank hole? Also what is that white oval form under the back bracket. Wouldn't the bracket be directly attached to the case? If possible, I hope to look at the machine this weekend.

Thank you for your response. Seems the machine may be German.

You could also look for the brake, as I don't see one in the photos. Some machines combined brake and speed in one control.

Looks fairly authentic to me, a German Beka. If it's been remotored, removing the turntable will give that away right off. I'm not sure about the plate under the back bracket, though.

All is now clear. I have examined the machine. Everything is original save the escutcheon. And why is that? Because the machine took a tumble some time ago and probably with the crank still inserted. Two things resulted: (1) a new piece of wood was cut in around the original crank hole and (2) a large crack now runs across the back board to which the bracket is attached. These two things explain the large escutcheon and the reinforcement of the backboard to support the bracket. I was not interested.

Very nice man, however (91). His barn was full of fairly good quality antiques. He had four English tea caddies; he now has three. I believe mine is Regency. What captured my attention was the overall condition, which was fairly good. And it had the original mixing bowl. If not the original one, then a period replacement. Like many floor model Victrolas, many tea caddies have been gutted over the years. Not this one.

This is a phonograph forum, but if anyone would like to see the tea caddy, don't hesitate to ask.

John

Sure, show us your tea caddy!

If you don't mind the inquiry- what was the asking price on the machine?

The seller was asking $395.

Bargain.
I would have snapped that up in a heart beat.