European Coin-Op Phonograph Help Needed

[catfishjohn]

A few months back I bought this interesting coin-op mechanism from a friend in Germany who was fairly certain it was an early French Autophone. From what I understand the Autophone Company had purchased several hundred Edison Eclipse style coin-op cases for use with their mechanisms, later switching to their own case design. I have an Eclipse and after sizing it up - it would not fit because the tonearm support stands 9½" tall. Now I am questioning if it is in fact an Autophone and what the proper case would look like.

Foolishly I purchased an empty Autophone case prior to receiving the mechanism. I was so happy to have found the empty case with thoughts of matching them up into a complete machine that I jumped the gun. As a collector friend put it, "Best to look at it as now I have two projects". I've done a fair amount of internet searching and have e-mailed several knowledgeable friends and collectors with not much luck. It was suggested that this may be a Solophone, but I have not found anything concrete. I attached a few pictures, one from when I received it and a few after I cleaned it up a bit. If anyone can shed some light as to what it is I would be most appreciative.

I'm hesitant to plug it in. Electrical is not my strong point and it being European I'm not sure if it is 220 or 110, AC or DC. Any ideas?? I'm not sure if the reproducer is correct or if it should be setup for center start vertical cut records.

One of the things that attracted me to this mechanism was the exposed gears, governor and motor. It's quite a contraption. I realize the turntable felt probably wasn't originally cut out, but I took that liberty because I didn't want to hide its wonderful exposed mechanism.

[MTPhono]

I don't believe that you have an Autophone mechanism. One can be seen here (in the later style cabinet):

http://www.montanaphonograph.com/gallery/Autophone.html

What you do have is a very interesting mechanism though I am unable to identify it.

Would it be possible for you to post a picture of the empty Autophone cabinet?

Thanks,
Scott

[Brad]

I looks like it might be a universal motor that will run on both AC and DC. What I would recommend is to get an autotransformer (or variac) and start with AC output at zero volts, slowly ramp up the voltage while turning the table both forward and back to see if you feel as though the motor is trying.

Also, you may want to research what powers (AC, DC, Voltages) where available to customers in the area and time frame this product was sold.

It is a cool looking mechanism as it is.

[catfishjohn]

Scott - Unfortunately I think you are right. It's probably not a French Autophone. I now have several pictures of Autophones, none of which match this mechanism. Hopefully someone on this forum can shed some light. Although I have purchased the cabinet I have not picked it up yet. I don't have much in the way of pictures but here they are. It does have beveled glass as well.

I did find this link to a coin-op Pathé Concert phonograph with a similar mechanism and motor - but definitely not the same. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_dVLSL3bKA

Brad - Thanks for the Electrical tips. I plan to tackle that next and have a friend that offered to help. We will give what you said a try. Do you think this thing was made around 1910 or so?

Thanks,
John P.

[Sidewinder]

How about this?





similar but different, but more similar than the Pathé Concert - I think in France there were a few manufacturers like Autophone making machines for the arcades.

[gramophone78]

John,I showed a friend of mine in Europe your motor.Here is his reply........

This is indeed a French automatic coin-up disc player. This could be Autophone or Solophone. They all look alike but hardly are ever the same. Motors, tone arms and reproducers and cabinets differ ! They also were produced in upright cabinets sometimes having two or even three of these mechanisms piled up. This results that sometimes these mechanisms are found as spares and it's not easy to find the right housing.

[catfishjohn]

Sidewinder - I was very happy to see that picture - thanks. I've spent alot of time trying to identify this machine and that is the closest to it I have seen as of yet. It is very similar mechanism and a great cabinet. There is a good chance that machine was made by the same manufacturer as the mechanism I have. It is doubtful that I will find a cabinet like that - especially in the US. Where did you find the picture? Do you have a link or any other information as to what it is?

Gramophone78 - Thanks for taking the time to ask your friend about this mechanism. The mechanical engineering that went into many of the early coin-op phonographs is amazing. A phonograph that housed three of these mechanisms would be something to see.

I may go ahead and put it in the Autophone cabinet and see if I can get it working. If a better suited cabinet ever comes along I will switch it out.

John