Pathé Concert A Phonograph - What's Original?

[Garret]

All,

I am posting these images of a Pathé Concert A and horn for a collecting friend in northern Virginia. He is trying to find out more information on this Pathé machine, including what an original, horn, bracket, and motor might look like. I know absolutely nothing about Pathé machines, but offered to post these images in a bid to seek out more information. Can any of you tell me what is original, and what is not? Do any of you have more information on the history of the Pathé Concert A machines? Images below. As you can see, the horn that is with the machine is quite large, and also that the machine had another motor in it at one point. Additionally, there are two small holes above the back bracket. Would an original back bracket have gone there?

In any case any information you all can offer would be immensely appreciated!

Sincerely,

Garret

[CarlosV]

The box is original (with holes added for some other motor), and the back bracket is also original, although it seems to have been repainted - mine and the other ones I have seen are all silver, not black. The brake on the plinth is not original, this machine has a brake that is part of the motor, with an external lever to start and stop it. The ovoidal horn adapter on top of the back bracket is original, but as it is made of pot metal, usually it is cracked. The horn is not Pathé (it seems to be an Indian repro or one taken from the Concert coin op, which is not a Pathé machine), as well as the curved tail, which is used on German gramophones, but never on Pathé ones. This machine is scarce but with some patience can still be found in Europe: It will certainly cost more to find the right parts for this one than buying one with all original parts.

[Garret]

Carlos,

Thank you so much for the information! If I may ask, would you be able to share a photo of what an original motor looks like for this machine? I've seen a few variations in my searches online...

Best,

Garret

[Garret]

Can anyone confirm if the motor shown in this eBay listing is the same as should be in the case I posted? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/A-large-Frenc ... 2182003811

Does anyone have any information on the history of these Pathé Concert machines, even if in French? (I can read French reasonably well).

Thanks!

Garret

[gramophone78]

Wouldn't this be better placed in our Euro section..??.. .

[CarlosV]

Can anyone confirm if the motor shown in this eBay listing is the same as should be in the case I posted? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/A-large-Frenc ... 2182003811

Does anyone have any information on the history of these Pathé Concert machines, even if in French? (I can read French reasonably well).

Thanks!

Garret

Garret, the one being sold in ebay has the correct motor, but probably it is broken (the seller, who specializes in selling gramophones, advertises it as "untried"). It seems to be missing the crank, though, and such crank is hard to find, it has larger diameter and it is longer than the more common Pathé cranks. I will try to post photos of mine over the weekend.

You will find some info on this link http://www.hervedavid.fr/, there is a small picture of the Concert A down the bottom of the page, dating it to 1910, but Pathé documentation is very sparse.

[phonodesbois]

The motor listed on eBay UK is the right one but as CarlosV said “untried” might mean missing or broken parts...
The Pathé Concert was intended to play the large Pathé 50cm disks. These records were available in two formats: the first one was used in theaters or other public events and played at a speed of 60rpm (longer recording but lower quality) ; the second one was running at a speed of 110rpm (shorter recording but “improved” quality). They were distributed more or less up to 1914 (WW1).
Attached some pics of my Pathé Concert machine.
Hope will help!
Jeff
(except for the horn and reproducer, spare parts for such machines are difficult to find).

[Garret]

All,

Thank you so much for the information! This is extremely helpful! Now at least my collecting friend knows what motor to look for, provided he should ever find here over here in the 'states!

Best,

Garret

[Valecnik]

These might be helpful for you, from a reprint of a 1910 catalogue purchased from Jalal Aro at Phonogalerie. A great booklet if he's still offering it.

[Garret]

That would be indeed a great catalog reprint to have! Thank you for sharing, Bruce!