Repro or real?

[phonogal]

Repro or real?

[Wolfe]

Repro. Mos' def.

They all seem to have that same badly mounted soundbox and crank, among other giveaways. The turntable may be original to some old machine.

[phonogal]

I thought it was. Just doesn't look right but I know nothing about machines from England.

[epigramophone]

In the UK we call these machines "Crapophones" and in the USA they seem to be known as "Frankenphones".

The replica machines which turn up all too frequently on UK eBay tend to be of Indian origin, often using motors and turntables from redundant portables. The soundbox on the example pictured is an Indian reproduction. They usually have "His Master's Voice" stamped around the perimeter of the front mask, but bear no resemblance to anything produed at Hayes.

Some sellers are honest and describe the machines as replicas, but some do not, so the usual "Caveat Emptor" warnings apply. Some replicas look more convincing than others.

Anyone tempted to purchase should be aware that the poor quality of these machines makes them very hard on records.

[phonogfp]

In the UK we call these machines "Crapophones" and in the USA they seem to be known as "Frankenphones".

We call the replicas "Crapophones" as well. But when a machine is made up of old parts from 2 or more different manufacturers (for example, a Victor cabinet/motor with Columbia back bracket/arm/horn), we call it a "Frankenphone." Being made up of genuine parts, a Frankenphone has more value than a Crapophone.

George P.

[FloridaClay]

Way back when I did not know any better, I bought one of these things from India. I soon got rid of it. They are quite flimsy. Somebody must be buying them, though, as there are always dozens of them on eBay. Decorators maybe?

Clay

[Bill Cahill]

I was shocked at ebay a couple of years back when one of the crapophones showed up in a glass case. He claimed it was an old original Edison rare disc player.
It had a black painted base, and, top, and, a metal capped reproducer with the name edison on it, but, it wasn't edison's signature.
He had a coroded brass plque that read something like "Edison disc grammophone. Made at the Edison factory in West Orange New Jersey, Uninted States of America".
The thing sold for, are you ready for this? over 4,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bill Cahill

[epigramophone]

There is one born every minute, otherwise some sellers would soon go out of business.

[EdiBrunsVic]

It is definitely not the real thing! (Perhaps there is a real part or two...)

[kirtley2012]

the turntable and winding handle are the ones found on garrad motors, so that, the break and speed control are original, everything else is as fake as a warm british winter!