The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

phonogal wrote:Well, I bought the machine and will pick it up on Tuesday. Just couldn't let it be trashed. I will be looking for the missing reproducer, turntable, elbow and horn. I haven't been able to find another example of a Radium on the internet. Can anyone point me in the right direction so I'll know what I'm looking for? I have a Parlophone so I assume they must be simular. Thanks for any assistance, Jan

You can place a "wanted" ad on our Yankee Trader. However, I can tell you finding what you need will not be a simple task. You may locate some stuff in Europe. However, that too will be $$$$.
Best of luck... .

Most likely, the horn you need will be a one-piece horn with elbow attached... You might be able to improvise for the turntable, if you don't mind mix and match...

Curt A wrote:Most likely, the horn you need will be a one-piece horn with elbow attached... You might be able to improvise for the turntable, if you don't mind mix and match...

There is a horn with the machine but it looks to be in very poor condition. I'll have to see what all is there once I pick up the machine.

Let us know when you get it. Maybe the forum members can give you tips to restore the horn.
Harvey Kravitz

While it may be difficult to find parts, you also have the benefit of nobody, (so far), knowing what the "correct" pieces should look like. That gives you some leeway. As long as the parts you use are period correct and not easily attributable to other machines, you've pretty much got it solved.

Ok. Here are pictures of the horn. I always tell myself after I do this " I will not buy another phonograph sight unseen off the internet" but even I know, I'll probably do it again. I'm always hopeful The horn is not very good quality as it is really thin and bends easily. Is this typical of these "Swissies"?

Jan, The horn actually looks pretty good except for the rust and funky paint job. The fitting looks to be in good shape, too. Usually the horn fitting is clobbered because of the thin metal. Yes, these inexpensive European machines had horns of very thin metal. I would strip the paint off of the horn and sand off the rust. Look in Eric Reiss's book and there is a whole discussion of horn restoration. Your machine has a lot of potential and will look nice when it is restored.
Harvey Kravitz

phonogal wrote:Ok. Here are pictures of the horn. I always tell myself after I do this " I will not buy another phonograph sight unseen off the internet" but even I know, I'll probably do it again. I'm always hopeful The horn is not very good quality as it is really thin and bends easily. Is this typical of these "Swissies"?

As far as Euro horns go "honestly".....it not a great example. The elbow for your machine looks like this and has a lock pin on the inside. These machine's did not have a one piece horn/elbow set up. The horn appears to be Swiss made. However, used on a very low end model. All brass or embossed (see pic) would be for a high end model.
These elbows were used on "later" made Swiss/German machine's.

Ok. Well at least I know what elbow to look for. Harvey, I have the Reiss book and will get it out. I've found a couple of horns on the net that look similar in design. They all appear to be really brightly colored. I think pretty much anything I do to it will be an improvement. I'll post some pictures when I get it painted. What type of reproducer should I be looking for?

phonogal wrote:Ok. Well at least I know what elbow to look for. Harvey, I have the Reiss book and will get it out. I've found a couple of horns on the net that look similar in design. They all appear to be really brightly colored. I think pretty much anything I do to it will be an improvement. I'll post some pictures when I get it painted. What type of reproducer should I be looking for?

Jan, If I can just add.....these elbows are not easy to find. I was hoping to hear you say....."I have it". I would recommend keeping an eye on Ebay France,UK,Germany & Switzerland. I personally have only ever had one. I have not seen a loose one for sale. However, as I always say.....you never know.
As to painting the horn. Yes, Euro horns can be painted in nice colors (see pic). If you can get your hands on a brass horn....even better.
If this were my machine.......I would look for a clean horn/elbow. Your cost may be better by buying this way.
Funny, I tried to buy another elbow like you need along with two early elbows and brackets. However, the owner was not willing to sell.... .