Is This a Zonophone Reproducer?

[Rexophone]

I bought this reproducer at an estate sale. It looks like a Zonophone three screw, closed faced reproducer. I searched and read several threads about real and reproduced pieces. The plating looks unusually good for an original, but there is some deterioration at the end of the throat. My question-- Can anyone tell me if this is this a reproduction or an original? I can provide additional pictures, etc.

Thanks,

Steve

[Phonofreak]

It looks like a reproduction made by a gentleman in Canada. He made Zonophone , Berliner and other types of reproducers. He is a skilled machinist.I can't think of his name, offhand.
Harvey Kravitz

[Zwebie]

Steve,

I believe the man who made these's name was Merick Stehlik, he was a machinist from Ontario, Canada. He used to sell them in the 80's for around $100, as well as many other reproduction reproducers and parts.

P.M. Sent,

Bob S.

[Rexophone]

Thanks Bob and Harvey,

I have done a search and found a 2010 email address for Mirek Stehlik when he was selling out his stock. I am not sure if he is still around or if the address is good, but I asked if he could identify my reproducer as one of his. I don't collect phonos as rarefied as Zonophone, and am not in a position to ID parts properly.

Thanks,

Steve

[Rexophone]

All,

I corresponded with Mirek. He told me that this reproducer is definitely not his work. He said that the stamped needle bar guard looked a lot like genuine production work but that he had never encountered this particular version of original Zonophone reproducer so he could make no judgment as to whether this could be an original. He said it could range from modern reproduction, to an early 20th century aftermarket, to even an early European aftermarket.

All that said, if this thing looks familiar to any of you please let me know. I would enjoy knowing just what it is.

By the way, Mirek wanted me to let folks know that although he is no longer advertising and actively making new machines, he is finishing out a few collector caliber reproduction machines and mechanisms to sell.

Many thanks,

Steve

[JerryVan]

That's great news about Mirek, since I thought he died...

[phonospud]

This is a zonophone reproducer. It was used on the A,B,C, & D series machines.

[vic-b]

I have enclosed photos from another Forum entry that I responded to showing a REPRODUCTION 3 screw Zonophone reproducer made without a needle guard on the left, and an original with needle guard on the right. These reproductions were made in the 1970's. I traded with Earnest Allen for this one years ago, and he told me who made it! If I were better with names, I would remember who made them!?

Using these photographs to compare to the reproducer in question, lets make some comparisons.

Please note the needle bar on the 3 screw closed face reproducer in question. It is machine turned to taper the end. This is incorrect. The same can be seen on my reproduction without the needle guard. So the least we can say is that the needle bar has been re-manufactured. It also appears to have been soldered into the housing if you look closely. The needle bar should be squared. Note the difference in the original on the right.

The screws that hold the face plate on are just slightly too large in diameter, have a shallower edge, and are slightly more scalloped.

The needle guard on the reproducer in question appears too thick to me, and also has file or machining marks on it's sides. It is just a bit crude.

I am not an expert. I lean towards reproduction myself. Granted...., a reproduction from 40 years ago! As originals are impossible to find, and extremely expensive, these definitely have collector value!

This is meant to be a 3 screw Zonophone closed face reproducer of the earliest variety. My original is on a Zonophone B.

Best,
Jeff
Wisconsin

[phonospud]

Excellent points Jeff!....I was looking at the photos on my phone!
Cheers,
Darren

[Rexophone]

Again, thanks to all for your input and advice. A forum member PMed me and sent photographs of three reproducers which he was very confident are genuine Zonophone. Two of the reproducers have the more wire-like needle arm seen on the genuine reproducer above. However one has a needle arm which looks identical to mine, complete with the machining marks on the taper. The color of his plating looks old to me (I have been working with nickel plated brass since the 1970s). His reproducer also has the type of age damage to portions of the plating as well as rust which I believe would be rather difficult to create through a false aging process. He asked me not to share the pictures. So again, when I had just about decided mine is a reproduction, now I’m not so sure.

Steve