Miraphone Gramophone Information

[Energ15]

I have a "Miraphone" gramophone that is missing the horn elbow. I was looking for the part and I have found no information on it yet so it almost seems unknown. Does anyone have any information on this machine and where I could get the appropriate elbow for it? It is a slip-in elbow.

[gramophoneshane]

Is this the machine? I also found a Miraphone with a Columbia back bracket that appears to be some sort of Reginaphone.
The first machine almost looks like a Thorens product, but it's hard to tell from the picture.

[Energ15]

Well, the pictures of the first machine with the red horn, those were pictures from the listing of the Miraphone I won, so that is the Exact machine I have. It is missing the elbow and I am still looking for it.

[gramophoneshane]

Does it have a Thorens/Swiss motor?
The reason I ask is because if it is a Thorens machine, a Victor/HMV or UK Zonophone slip-in elbow will fit, but if not, it could have some odd size elbow that will be hard to find.

[gramophone78]

I may nave that elbow as a spare.Could you PM me pics of the back bracket end and the diameter of the opening.

[Energ15]

About the motor, I can't tell if it is a Thorens or not. But, it has two springs.

[gramophone78]

OK,after seeing your back bracket.I think this is the correct elbow.The other problem is the horn I think is incorrect unless it has a "L" shaped cut out to lock the pin you see on the inside of the horn end of the elbow.Here are some pics.

[Energ15]

I don't think it would fit because, it doesn't have the L cut out and the connection piece is an odd ring-like screw on piece. here is a picture:

[gramophone78]

You are right.This elbow is for that machine but,not for that horn.I don't think that horn is from that machine.In fact,based on the pic you show....I wonder if it was even for a Phonograph at all.I say this only because every Swiss or other type disc model has the "L" cut lock end.I have seen some screw ends on Pathé but,your machine is without question Swiss.Best of luck with your search.To help give you a better understanding.Here is the set up you need to find ie: a proper horn.You should also know that there were two types of elbow that had the "L" horn lock.Your type where the elbow drops "into" the opening.Then,there is another that is to slip "over a high collar on the top of the back bracket.This you do not have.Here is a pic of that type of elbow and bracket.

elbow #1.jpg (19.84 KiB) Viewed 1535 times

[Steve]

Well, did you ever find an elbow?

I can't help wondering if GShane might not be correct with the assumption that all Swiss machines should have the 'L' slot? I have just bought a Miraphone and it has the same horn end as the one shown in the Ebay pictures by the OP. The elbow on my machine (correctly mated to the horn) drops INTO a raised upstand on the back-bracket and not over it. Interestingly the external diameter of the cylindrical upstand is identical to most other Swissies, therefore, althought the Miraphone elbow end is much smaller (the upstand is a chunky 3mm gauge), it is possible to change the horn and elbow to a 'standard' type Swissie whilst the Miraphone branded horn/elbow slots into the upstand with a narrower bore brass tube slotted into the bottom of the elbow. At first I thought this might be a collector's "quick fix" where the right parts couldn't be found but the brass section has identical nickel plating to the rest of the steel elbow and it has been professionally factory made. There is also a hairline fault that runs through both parts indicating the age of the inside section.

I would like some info on Miraphones. Does anyone know if anything exists anywhere? I have seen one 1910 period catalogue, but that's about it.