Tin Foil Phono

[pappde]

I got these images from the UK.
Part of a "find" from an old estate.
I think it is a tin foil phonograph.
Any input fro the phonograph people?

[TinfoilPhono]

That is a 35 year-old replica that shows how deceptive a reproduction can look with natural aging (and perhaps some unnatural aging as well).

Actually, it's not quite precise to call it a replica. It's a creation made in 1977 by Goodwin Ive in the UK for the centennial of the phonograph. For whatever reason, on this latest example the base has been replaced. Here's what the Ive phonograph looks like in good condition:



The original machine from which he modeled his reproduction is by an unknown manufacturer, and was designed with the mandrel serving as a flywheel. A very odd design:



Reportedly, Ive tried to make a copy in the original configuration but could not get it to run true, so he put the mandrel between the upright supports, in typical fashion, and made a working tinfoil that was well-built and attractive but did not precisely replicate any original.

Unfortunately, well-made replicas can sometimes be passed as originals once they are aged, whether naturally or artificially. There was a notorious instance of another Goodwin Ive machine appearing in various auction venues in the past (and discussed on the forums). It was an egregious fraud that was being marketed as an original machine made by the London Stereoscopic Company:



Caveat emptor.

[mariof]

Have any of these Goodwin Tinfoil machines traded hands recently? If so can anyone comment on a value?

[Sidewinder]

Specially aged to make it look older?