What's this?

[epigramophone]

If this is a Crapophone or a Frankenphone they are certainly improving.

https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auct ... 3c35c56923

[wrichard]

It looks like somebody was a cabinet maker and made the case themselves. Possibly also the horn. The marquetry is beautiful.

I'm assuming that such a home made gramophone, perhaps from second hand parts but maybe not would be called a frankenphone.
But I'm fairly sure the person who made this just wanted a gramophone for playing records and wanted it as nice as they could make it without any thought for subsequent sales. So yes I think it's a frankenphone but I certainly don't think the maker intended to decieve anybody.

We cannot see the soundbox so can't be sure it's not a crapophone. But I don't think it is.
And of course everybody has an opinion. I have mine.

[epigramophone]

The soundbox is based on a Thorens design, frequently copied on Crapophones. The (Garrard?) turntable with it's brown rim also sets the alarm bells ringing, but I agree that the woodwork of the case and horn is of an unusually high standard.

[Steve]

£300-500? OK. Most auctioneers estimate genuine HMV horn machines well below that, even when equipped with original wooden horns!

I agree it looks like a labour of love for an accomplished cabinet maker who built their own gramophone with good quality original parts. The soundbox is probably a replica Thorens engraved "His Master's Voice" - a classic Crapophone telltale sign. It's unclear what the backbracket is made of but it's certainly a curiosity. If it was near me I'd take a look and if it was cheap maybe even buy it. Thankfully it isn't so I won't be investigating it further!

[epigramophone]

The soundbox is probably a replica Thorens engraved "His Master's Voice" - a classic Crapophone telltale sign.

The auctioneer's description says that the soundbox is an HMV, therefore Crapophone, but why describe the machine as a Columbia?
I don't see any components of Columbia origin. If it sells it will probably be to an interior decorator, because it has "the look".

[Curt A]

This reminds me of machines that are owned by a collector - "Maestro" from Kharkov. Ukraine.
https://grammophon.biz.ua

This does not look like a crapo or frankenphone. The skills to make the marquetry cabinet and horn are way beyond the ability of normal woodworkers or cabinetmakers...

[Sidewinder]

Did they use this type of pressed steel / slanted style turntable on horn machines?

[JerryVan]

Did they use this type of pressed steel / slanted style turntable on horn machines?

I noticed that too. In my opinion, the answer is, "no".

[Steve]

Did they use this type of pressed steel / slanted style turntable on horn machines?

I noticed that too. In my opinion, the answer is, "no".

The late Columbia ("2A"?) model equipped with piano-reflex tone-arm did use a sloping edged turntable, possibly with Garrard motor. I'm not suggesting for a minute that is where the auctioneer's Columbia reference came from - that would suggest far more delving and research into Columbia's history than any auctioneer would contemplate undertaking!

[epigramophone]

Yes the Columbia 2a Horn Model did have a sloping rim turntable, unusually of 11 inches diameter.
I regret selling mine, but I know where it still lives......