Pathé 10050 portable

[Steve]

I just thought I'd share a few photos of my latest arrival. I've been on the lookout for one of these for a few years but this example was mercifully sold on Ebay here in the UK thus circumventing the ridiculous UK port authority charges (which invariably it gets wrong and overcharges!) and excessive shipping costs.

The 10050 was not, as far as I'm aware, ever sold in the UK. The machine is a rigid steel case covered in faux lizard skin rexine. It's very well made and although the case is metal it has an independent and full length steel internal horn which I've attempted to show inside.

As I'd guess this dates from not long after the EMI merger, note the somewhat generic soundbox which was also used on some Columbia machines (Columbia had control of Pathé by this point thus rendering anything from "Pathé" effectively part of the gargantuan international EMI corporation).

[CarlosV]

Nice machine, congratulations! It is not easy to find one of these with the external finish in good condition.

[Steve]

Nice machine, congratulations! It is not easy to find one of these with the external finish in good condition.

Thank you, Carlos. Yes, the rexine does have a tendency to peel off over time as the glue dries out and becomes brittle. There are areas where it is loose or bubbling but if I want to I can easily glue it down.

Right now, I just want to rebuild the soundbox (which desperately needs it) and enjoy the machine. I don't know why but I can imagine Catherine Deneuve having one of these.

[CarlosV]

I don't know why but I can imagine Catherine Deneuve having one of these.

She's not THAT old! Arletty or Michèlle Morgan would be more likely.

[Steve]

Yes, I think she's around 80 or so? No, I didn't think she was antique but some people, including many in this forum, were given old gramophones when they were quite young for some reason!

Anyway, however old she is, she's still got it: the acting talent and her looks!

[Steve]

I don't know why but I can imagine Catherine Deneuve having one of these.

She's not THAT old! Arletty or Michèlle Morgan would be more likely.

Thanks for reminding me about Arletty. I have a few of her films on Bluray. Might have to dig them out now!

And currently four out of the top five threads here are concerning Pathé. Happy days at last!

[CarlosV]

Thanks for reminding me about Arletty. I have a few of her films on Bluray. Might have to dig them out now!

Children of Paradise (Boulevard du Crime) is my favorite Arletty movie, highly recommended!