Interesting machine in Edmonds, Washington

[Nat]

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/atq/2721184791.html

Does anyone know anything about these machines? This one's close, and the price is certainly good!

The real question is space... But I'd be interested in knowing more about the machine.

[OrthoSean]

It's a British machine, I don't know much more than that and the cabinet looks to be oak. I'd certainly take a look at it if I were you, Nat. It's probably a late 20s ortho type from the looks of things, although it may just have a non-re-entrant type horn.

Sean

[Retrograde]

Looks like a Decca Salon to me.
Appears to be in good condition.

[Nat]

Well, I got it! It's in almost band-box new shape except for the reproducer, which someone has take apart and lost some of the screws to, and one missing door knob. I'm sending it to George the Victrola Doctor, if he'll accept it (he's fast, not expensive & does very good work). The case and motor are very, very good, and both need only cleaning and oiling - and when done, I'll post some pictures. it's going to be an ornament to my cabin, next to two Victors.

Not a re-entrant, by the way, and I'm uncertain whether it's a true orthophonic. Metal horn.

[OrthoSean]

Congrats Nat!

I suspected it's along the lines of a 4-3 with an exponential horn only a much larger horn, it should sound pretty good with a rebuilt reproducer. Looks to me to be about the same size as my HMV 163 and the cabinet is "all horn" as they say. I've always thought this horn design was one of the best for playing acoustics on, Patti and Melba discs, for example, seem to come to life when I had my 4-3 far more than on any other machine I'd ever owned, that is, until I got my EMG . I'll be curious to hear your thoughts once you have everything all set. The cabinet looked pretty nice too, but it was hard for me to judge condition from the poor photos.

Sean

[Nat]

Don't even talk to me about your EMG! (Why don't we have a green-with-envy emoticon?)

it looks is if it might be an exponential horn, though not a reentrant. The case is in very good shape, though the top is just a little rough. it's clean, solid, the motor is in A-1 shape... And if it plays acoustics as well as electrics, as you suspect, I'll be a very happy camper.

Pictures post-Christmas: I've got a VV-VI and a portable on the bench, and holiday interruptions. But I can't wait. This will be perfect in my cabin!

Nat