My latest addition--a Pathéphone No. 120

[JerryVan]

What does the sector gear and lever do?

[drh]

What does the sector gear and lever do?

You throw the lever to the right to start the machine running and to the left to lock it in "off" position after the record is done.

[JerryVan]

What does the sector gear and lever do?

You throw the lever to the right to start the machine running and to the left to lock it in "off" position after the record is done.

Thanks! Unique. I like it.

[CarlosV]

By the way, from the Swiss listing, the 180 is a handsome machine, and I'd love to see some photos of yours.

I like the looks of the 18/180, they are less ornate than the others and more in the style of English HMVs, but nevertheless made in good proportions and nicely finished. I took some photos of the 18 and the 180, so you can see the external differences: the speed control and the cranks. I could not see any external difference in the wood box, but internally they have different stands to hold the motor, as the fixations are different between the triangular and the rectangular ones. The 18 is the one with the red tin horn, and the 180 with the aluminum torsade horn. The bubble fitting on the 180 is a reproduction, while the 18 has its original fitting.

[Steve]

Don't forget the Pathéphone "16" which was the most expensive in the initial numbered range 2 to 16. I'm not sure they even made it but it was certainly catalogued?

The Modele 18 (or the later 180 which was a cheaper version of it) was not contemporary within the initial numbered model range but appeared afterwards. In other words, the 14 and 16 were the top models. When the 18 appeared it was for a much more streamlined range with some models being dropped, including the 14 and 16. I don't think any machine in the later range was quite as expensive as the original models, probably due to the uptake of internal horn machines by that time?

Irrespective of this, I've always quite fancied the Model 18 but never seen a really good example for sale. Interestingly the much coveted Modele 14 with gilt fittings and stunning white horn, only utilised the same smaller motor as the original A - E Models (1906-1908), not that the motor was underpowered in any way!

Thanks for sharing the pictures of your 18/180, Carlos. Both lovely examples.

[CarlosV]

Don't forget the Pathéphone "16" which was the most expensive in the initial numbered range 2 to 16. I'm not sure they even made it but it was certainly catalogued?

Steve, I did not consider the 16 for the reason you stated: it was probably never made! The collector whom I visited and is the owner of the only nr 14 I have seen, in both versions (external white horn and internal horn), never saw one neither, and he is a completist collector of Pathé machines.

The Modele 18 (or the later 180 which was a cheaper version of it) was not contemporary within the initial numbered model range but appeared afterwards. In other words, the 14 and 16 were the top models. When the 18 appeared it was for a much more streamlined range with some models being dropped, including the 14 and 16. I don't think any machine in the later range was quite as expensive as the original models, probably due to the uptake of internal horn machines by that time?

That explains the difference in styles. As you implied, these late models were probably a tentative to end an unsold stock of external horn machines. The catalogue I posted kind of confirms that, highlighting in the initial pages the new models with reflex horns and only showing the older external horn machines at the end.

[Steve]

Don't forget the Pathéphone "16" which was the most expensive in the initial numbered range 2 to 16. I'm not sure they even made it but it was certainly catalogued?

Steve, I did not consider the 16 for the reason you stated: it was probably never made! The collector whom I visited and is the owner of the only nr 14 I have seen, in both versions (external white horn and internal horn), never saw one neither, and he is a completist collector of Pathé machines.

The Modele 18 (or the later 180 which was a cheaper version of it) was not contemporary within the initial numbered model range but appeared afterwards. In other words, the 14 and 16 were the top models. When the 18 appeared it was for a much more streamlined range with some models being dropped, including the 14 and 16. I don't think any machine in the later range was quite as expensive as the original models, probably due to the uptake of internal horn machines by that time?

That explains the difference in styles. As you implied, these late models were probably a tentative to end an unsold stock of external horn machines. The catalogue I posted kind of confirms that, highlighting in the initial pages the new models with reflex horns and only showing the older external horn machines at the end.

That is interesting. So as hardcore Pathé collectors, we are both chasing down the number 14 as the ultimate high-end horn machine after the Modele E!

Yes, that is exactly how I read the situation regarding the 18/180 appearing in a catalogue with just a 20, 40 and 120.

Incidentally for anyone interested there is a 12 on French Ebay currently with the highly coveted torsade hirn:

https://ebay.us/m/NIOPo2

[drh]

I like the looks of the 18/180, they are less ornate than the others and more in the style of English HMVs, but nevertheless made in good proportions and nicely finished. I took some photos of the 18 and the 180, so you can see the external differences: the speed control and the cranks. I could not see any external difference in the wood box, but internally they have different stands to hold the motor, as the fixations are different between the triangular and the rectangular ones. The 18 is the one with the red tin horn, and the 180 with the aluminum torsade horn. The bubble fitting on the 180 is a reproduction, while the 18 has its original fitting.

Lovely machines--thanks for the photos! On the 18, how does the speed control work? I assume the extra hole adjacent to the crank, with the swinging cover, is for accessing it, but there's no fixed lever or knob. I've never seen an arrangement like that.

[drh]

Incidentally for anyone interested there is a 12 on French Ebay currently with the highly coveted torsade hirn:

https://ebay.us/m/NIOPo2

Thanks for posting the link. I'm interested, not to buy it but to see that indeed it does look exactly like the 120, save for the different speed control. I'll confess, the design of that control on the 120 is peculiar; the older type appears to be more straightforward.

[Steve]

Incidentally for anyone interested there is a 12 on French Ebay currently with the highly coveted torsade hirn:

https://ebay.us/m/NIOPo2

Thanks for posting the link. I'm interested, not to buy it but to see that indeed it does look exactly like the 120, save for the different speed control. I'll confess, the design of that control on the 120 is peculiar; the older type appears to be more straightforward.

I keep telling myself I don't need it so you know what that means!

Do you have a link to the 180 that was for sale please? I presume it has sold now. Thanks!