The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

35 years ago I bought this oxidized diamond B reproducer from a dealer at Union. I have only seen a weight from one since. Are there any more out there? If so I would like to know. Thanks

Californicated.

Good one John!

Although I don't own one and have never seen one before, I see no reason this wouldn't be genuine, although probably extremely rare.
The oxidation seems consistent on the weight with both my Diamond A and Model M reproduces for my A1, and the top seems consistent with the oxidised carriage of the Idealia.
I don't imagine anyone with an Idealia they were upgrading to play BA's would have been happy with a nickel plated Diamond B, so they must have been made even though demand would have been extremely limited.

It is genuine all right. As you can see the copper noodles have faded away on the top housing but are still present on the weight. A number of years ago I saw another Diamond B that was nickel plated but having the oxidized weight. Kind of peculiar I would say but original as it was the practice back then not to throw anything away that was still usable. I am sure these were special order for the Idelias. Every Idelia I have ever seen has had a nickel plated reproducer except for the earlier ones with the smaller carriage whereas it is normal to see the oxidized Model-C or H. I did see an Idelia in Canada once that had the smaller carriage sporting a nickel plated Model-S reproducer. I use this one on my Model-D Idelia with the larger upright carriage

Now to find the rest of the Idelia! What a neat find.