Is this the real McCoy?

[Curt A]

The original tonearm/reproducer assembly may have been smaller and lighter. The reproducer you have looks large for the size of the machine and is probably heavy, thus slowing down the small motor. A good cleaning and lube of the motor may help... I wouldn't raise the turntable to try to change the geometry... It really needs a shorter tonearm, since the replacement one is too long causing the reproducer to fall in an incorrect position. You may be able to rotate the reproducer, but then the needle wouldn't line up with the spindle - or you might find a smaller diameter reproducer to correct it.

[SydneyAde]

The original tonearm/reproducer assembly may have been smaller and lighter. The reproducer you have looks large for the size of the machine and is probably heavy, thus slowing down the small motor. A good cleaning and lube of the motor may help... I wouldn't raise the turntable to try to change the geometry... It really needs a shorter tonearm, since the replacement one is too long causing the reproducer to fall in an incorrect position. You may be able to rotate the reproducer, but then the needle wouldn't line up with the spindle - or you might find a smaller diameter reproducer to correct it.

Thanks again for your advice Curt

Based on the helpful info so far, it looks like I'm chasing a smaller non-goose neck type tone arm with smaller
diameter Dulcephone soundbox.

Regards
Ade

[SydneyAde]

The Beltona name first appeared in 1912 as a brand of J.G.Murdoch & Co, one of the UK's biggest gramophone retailers.

The tonearm on your machine is of the swan neck design and appears to be chrome plated, which would date it to the very late 1920's or the 1930's. It looks not unlike an HMV or post-1931 Columbia component, so it is certainly not the original.

I cannot read the name on the motor as the picture is upside down, but if there are no tell-tale additional holes in the motor board it is probably the original.

Roger.

Hi again Roger

Following your advice and that of the other members, I was wondering if you might
have an idea as to the type of tone arm and soundbox that may have been used on my machine?

With the members info, I am fairly certain we can say it is a low brow Dulcephone hornless machine,
nevertheless, well crafted with box joints, and screwed together in parts.

Would it be safe to say that the better the craftsmanship on a cheaper machine, the more likely it
would have been produced earlier before the less well made, more mass produced machines, say pre 1920s ?

I uploaded a pic of a Dulcephone soundbox, although I suppose there were many variations of these,
and Odeon pointed out the similarities between the horned machine (on this site) and my machine.
I understand that horned machines were produced up until the 1930s.

Regards
Ade

[Steve]

I have the original Dulcephone portable (1909) complete with outer carrying case. This was a "hornless" model similar to HMV Pigmy Grand in an oak case very similar to this but with wooden internal horn. The lid is hinged part way so the original arm/sounbox could be easily removed (as estott rightly referenced) and stowed away in transit beside the internal horn with winding handle clamped down on the inside bottom of the case.

I haven't looked at my machine much lately but it's so similar I'm tempted to say you have a converted Dulcephone there. Someone has fitted a later arm and soundbox (non Dulcephone or Decca parts) together with a late period thin sheet steel horn. Maybe unused cabinets were sold off and subsequently converted and marketed by Murdochs.

The Australian market did receive some strange and bizarre cast-offs from the motherland, like an HMV 202 with later removable section motor-board and an older style 34 motor attached.

[SydneyAde]

I have the original Dulcephone portable (1909) complete with outer carrying case. This was a "hornless" model similar to HMV Pigmy Grand in an oak case very similar to this but with wooden internal horn. The lid is hinged part way so the original arm/sounbox could be easily removed (as estott rightly referenced) and stowed away in transit beside the internal horn with winding handle clamped down on the inside bottom of the case.

I haven't looked at my machine much lately but it's so similar I'm tempted to say you have a converted Dulcephone there. Someone has fitted a later arm and soundbox (non Dulcephone or Decca parts) together with a late period thin sheet steel horn. Maybe unused cabinets were sold off and subsequently converted and marketed by Murdochs.

The Australian market did receive some strange and bizarre cast-offs from the motherland, like an HMV 202 with later removable section motor-board and an older style 34 motor attached.

I think you're onto something there Steve, when I feel better, I will have a more thorough look for anything that might provide further clues. The trim/skirt around the outside of the base of the cabinet, looks like they have mitred corners using small biscuit joints. Also that small black wooden block connecting the tone arm to the horn looks a little unusual? I clearly don't have that depth of knowledge, and hopefully that will change as the hobby builds. Ade