Please id unusual sound-box with tone-arm attached

[poodling around]

This is made entirely of brass - although I had to add a needle screw which isn't.

Also, I am unsure as to what the 'spider-like' diaphragm is made from.

Any-way, I would be grateful for any id information as I have never seen another one like it.

Thanks very much for any help you can give.

[An Balores]

Most unusual. Are those four holes around the circumference to secure the gasket and diaphragm, or do you think there was a diaphragm guard fitted there previously?

[Curt A]

That must have been on a high end machine, since it's not pot metal. I would find a machine to use it on, in place of generic hardware or make a special project machine with this as the basis.

[poodling around]

Most unusual. Are those four holes around the circumference to secure the gasket and diaphragm, or do you think there was a diaphragm guard fitted there previously?

I think they are just to secure the gasket.

[poodling around]

That must have been on a high end machine, since it's not pot metal. I would find a machine to use it on, in place of generic hardware or make a special project machine with this as the basis.

Interesting. Thanks Curt.

I think maybe it was a 'one off' exhibition type piece maybe ? I am only guessing though.

Great idea about trying on a spare machine or a special project !

[poodling around]

Most unusual. Are those four holes around the circumference to secure the gasket and diaphragm, or do you think there was a diaphragm guard fitted there previously?

I was just having a close look at these four holes and surprisingly (to me) they do not contain screws. It seems that the inner brass ring actually twists off. I guess a special tool was used which engaged all four holes with small metal prongs.

Also, I am beginning to think that it may be a 'Sonora'. I do not know anything about this gramophone brand but one or two of their tone-arms look vaguely similar. (Two photographs 'below'). Particularly the part which joins the sound-box - kind of an odd 'dippy' shape. Also, the sound-box can be adusted to be side-ways onto the record or turned 90 degrees. Like the chrome one in the photograph below.

Some-what oddly I think that the diaphragm is made from very thin brass too.

So maybe a very early Sonora ?

[Curt A]

If you decide to part with it, I would be glad to figure out something to use it on...

[poodling around]

If you decide to part with it, I would be glad to figure out something to use it on...

Okay, if I ever do I will let you know !

[Curt A]

Thanks...

[Inigo]

I vote as our colleague. It looks so interesting and well constructed... I would build a machine around this tonearm, and I would add a huge, well designed exponential horn that could be at the same quality level as the tonearm and soundbox, just to use them. I'm sure it would sound wonderfully...