Help please identifying this machine

Discussions on Talking Machines of British or European Manufacture
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pumpkin
Victor Jr
Posts: 15
Joined: Mon Feb 19, 2024 6:38 pm

Help please identifying this machine

Post by pumpkin »

Can anyone please help me identify this phonograph I have acquired.

The silver head had "recorder" stamped on it , not clear in photo . I have not yet succeeded to play a "normal" cylinder so am open to advice.
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Sidewinder
Victor III
Posts: 757
Joined: Thu Aug 13, 2009 5:51 am

Re: Help please identifying this machine

Post by Sidewinder »

It is made by Paillard (swiss company)

You cannot play a cylinder with a "recorder" soundbox. A recorder has a cutting stylus and will ruin a cylinder. However you do have the black "Le Cahit" reproducer which is very good for playing cylinders with. It plays "normal" cylinders on the smaller mandrel & Concert cylinders with the mandrel you show in the photo.

The fork looking device is for 4 people to listen to a cylinder via ear phones.

Are you located in the UK?

pumpkin
Victor Jr
Posts: 15
Joined: Mon Feb 19, 2024 6:38 pm

Re: Help please identifying this machine

Post by pumpkin »

Thank you for your help in identifying the machine . What was confusing me was the banner scroll "Theatrophone" which was a popular streaming device of the day and bringing up not very helpful search results. It seems complete and will benefit from a little oil to stop the rumbles and I am still open to advice about how to operate.
I assume it will play 2 minute cylinders , I have a couple of moldy ones before good ones are tried.
Yes I am in the UK, South London/ Surrey area.
Cheers,

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