Need some historical background on a Pathé Model XXI

[calndrman]

I am a first time poster so thanks in advance for any information anyone can offer. I have a Pathé Model XXI, serial number 2498. The cabinet is 47" wide X 20" deep X 35" tall. Everything appears to be original except for the piece that holds the needle which is a Victrola No. 2 (see photo). Everything works and it plays well. There are a few chips in the veneer and a piece is missing from one of the knobs on the front.

The player was left in a home my grandparents purchased in the early 1960's along with a stack of 30+ 78 rpm records. When my grandmother passed, I inherited the player and it has been in our home for many years. We are now downsizing and I am ready to pass it onto to someone else.

I have searched the Internet trying to find when and where this model was made but without success. Also, I have not seen any photos of a machine this large so I am curious about production numbers as well. Are there websites with info about Pathé models that I have missed? I am more interested in telling the history behind the player than I am the value but any thoughts in that area would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Victrolacollector]

Welcome to the forum, you will find a wealth of information and great people that can help. These are truly great people.

You have a nice Pathé probably from the mid to late 1920's. I will mention that that is the incorrect reproducer for the machine.
The arm may also be incorrect, but not sure. The Victrola #2 reproducer goes to a Victor Victrola. You should be able to find the correct Pathé reproducer here on the forum, parts dealer or eBay. I have attached photos of the tone arm and reproducer that would be correct to this machine.

Most of these Pathé machines were great machines and used a double spring motor by Heineman, which also made motors and parts for many brands of spring powered phonographs.

This book may also help:

http://mulhollandpress.com/styled-5/sty ... index.html

Again welcome to the forum.

Jerry P.

[donniej]

I'm not a Pathé expert but I agree that the tone arm doesn't look right.

[gramophone-georg]

I was wondering about that arm myself. Wasn't sure if perhaps this model was intended to play the Actuelle Needle Type records.

Great looking machine. How long is that crank? Looks like you could win a jousting match with it!

[Victrola-Monkey]

The following write-up was under a b&w picture of your Pathé, in the Pathé book by George Copeland and Ronald Dethlefson:

In strength and simplicity, this William and Mary model is exactly typical of the period of which it is designed. It combines grace, dignity, and harmony of proportion's. Finished in American Walnut, with all exposed metal trimmings of antique brass hardware; automatic stop; universal tone Arm; Pathé perfect tone control; Pathé reproducer; Sapphire ball; double spring motor; size 42.5" X 20.5 X 36.