Help with an unknown mark please

[Andersun]

I have had many phonographs where the transfers were warn down. In every case what was left was a silver backing. I believe this silver backing was used so that the colors of the transfer would stand out no matter what type of wood (dark or light) the transfer was put on. If the thin transfer didn't have a backing, it would not show up very well especially on the dark woods like mahogany. I think if you looked at this transfer before it was applied, you would see only a backing color. This explains why they would have to have orientation notes around the transfer.

My guess it would look somewwhat like this.....

[gramophone78]

That makes sense as there is a lot of metallic gold in this decal. However,the "TOP" is on a clear portion of the transfer.....is that right??. If so, what was used as a clear base.....thin celluloid??. After using a loupe,the decal seems to be pre-cut to the shape you see and no extra material around the outer edge.

[Andersun]

I don't think there was a clear base. I believe the word TOP was printed onto the backing like the logo was. I'm not an expert so I may be wrong.

[gramophone78]

I think your right. I just wonder what the backing was back then.....paper???. The machine was maybe put together on a Monday or Friday...... . This also reminds me of what another collector found on his trade mark. It was a later model with a white metal plate. However, when he removed the plate......there was a mint decal like this one under it. Clearly a transitional machine. The hard part was for him to decide which do you show....the plate or decal??.

[Andersun]

This also reminds me of what another collector found on his trade mark. It was a later model with a white metal plate. However, when he removed the plate......there was a mint decal like this one under it. Clearly a transitional machine. The hard part was for him to decide which do you show....the plate or decal??.

I would display both the plate and the decal. Mount the plate on a miniature artists easel in front of the machine.

[gramophone78]

I would display both too. I think because there were nail holes from the plate and the serial number was stamped on the plate and not on base...he decided to put the plate back on. The decal was the nicest one I ever seen.

[gramophoneshane]

I just can't think of another answer for this mark

Could be a secret code of the illuminati & their quest for new world gramophone order

[gramophone78]

Hey!, does that mean the machine is worth more???.... . Maybe Berliner was a Mason and this is a Masonic message??.

[Andersun]

There is code on it!!!!

[gramophone78]

That is very funny!!!. I think it code for "change the needle after every play"...