My first two G&T phonographs

[Phono-Phan]

I recently added these two early G&T phonographs to the collection. I would like to know what models they are and if they have the correct parts on them. I believe the model with the hand drive motor should have a closed face reproducer. Is that correct? The hand driven model looks very much like the Victor Toy model but has a larger horn and a G&T concert reproducer. I would appreciate any advice and constructive comments. Thanks!!!!

[Steve]

Style No. 2 is the top hand driven one.

Style No. 3 is the bottom spring wound one.

The Concert or the Clarke Johnson soundbox is correct.

The photos are not really clear enough unfortunately to be able to determine any non original parts. They certainly appear to be right but only close in-person inspection will reveal a reproduction part. The CJ soundbox looks quite new, as does the leather elbow and retention clip.

The Style 2 has been completely reproduced in the 1980s so there are conceivably many "non original" examples out there with pre-rusted parts and faked "age" by now. I'm not suggesting yours is one of them, but just to put things into perspective. With that said, the Style No. 2 is certainly the one I'd be wanting to scrutinise most closely. I have some doubts about its age but as I said only close inspection will truly reveal whether its an original or not.

Where on earth did you find these? They are very rare in the UK, let alone anywhere else?

[jamiegramo]

Steve is correct, a rare find!

You can compare the motor casting of the Style No. 2 with the Victor Toy. It should look the same or very similar. A nice casting. The castings of the copies are often rough with flaws and uneven surfaces, for this reason they were filled with something like car body filler and painted black.

I wonder if the concert reproducer wouldn’t be more typically correct on the No. 3 and the Clark Johnson more correct on the No. 2. Just a thought in case someone swapped them over.

[Phono-Phan]

I have been asked for more pictures of the #2. The motor casting is original. A magnet sticks to it. The Clark Johnson reproducer was on the #3 and should be on the #2. It is a reproduction. An original is being sent. Not sure of the pencil mark of 1897 on the bottom. These didn't come out until 1901 I believe. Maybe a serial number? The leather elbow clamp is original on the #2.

[jamiegramo]

Actually not G&T, they are Gramophone Co. machines, they just predate the typewriter period with the earlier decal with the word ‘typewriter’ absent and the Maiden Lane address present.

[Phono-Phan]

Actually not G&T, they are Gramophone Co. machines, they just predate the typewriter period with the earlier decal with the word ‘typewriter’ absent and the Maiden Lane address present.

Thanks for the clarification. I am a novice on these models.

[Oedipus]

The company name changed at the time these went on the market, and as the woodwork, complete with transfers, had already been produced before the name change, it is quite in order to call them G &T

[GavinM]

I'm late to this thread having been away for a couple of weeks.

Phono-Phan, I thought you'd be interested to see some pics of my Style 3. As you see, mine has the Clark-Johnson soundbox like yours. I notice, though, that both of your machines have a clip to tighten the leather elbow onto the neck of the soundbox. Mine doesn't have that, nor is there evidence from the elbow that there ever was one. Are these later additions?