The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Thanks - I've certainly cleaned up others much worse than this, so I'm looking forward to getting it done. I only wish I had more free time right now to really focus on this one.

As for the back panel, the lower one unscrews and comes off for horn access. Above that is a door that opens up and locks into a horizontal position which was meant to be a place for records and related materials while the machine is in use. The knob you pull actually recesses itself when the shelf is locked in so you don't accidentally put records on it and break them. Quite a setup. The 8-8 also has a hinged shelf like that. These seem to always suffer from loose veneer. My 8-8 had that issue as does this one, that will be a simple fix compared to the front doors, although in just the few days since this has been in heated space, the veneer on the front doors seems to be settling down already, so this may not be the huge project I had originally thought.

I'll post more as things progress!

Sean

Something you don't see everyday, a good conversation piece, and really beautiful grain. Would be a nice addition to anyone's collection.

Clay

Really interesting to see the evolution of the same basic design from the 8-7 to the 8-8. The 8-8 has the same lovely rear shelf with clever recessed knob. It also has the kickplate. But it has a less ornate grill, and instead of the nice wooden handle in the back, it has a metal one. However it does have a slightly more decorative front, and the wheels are faired in rather than protruding. So all in all, it's a positive evolution.

She's beautiful Sean, congratz on another great find!

estott wrote:

Edisone wrote:I forget why there's a removable panel on the back ... (kitty sez: open that up & let me see if there's any meeses in there!)

If you mean the rectangle near the floor that is a kick plate to help in tilting the machine.

I think the 8-8 has a folding shelf on the back.

Perhaps he might have meant the little knob visible on the back...

Bill

Actually, if you pull on the back panel knob towards the bottom, a shelf magically appears. Nice machine!!! I have had one for several years and it plays records pretty loud. I think there were only around 2,000 of these made.
Ken

Awesome find!

Gene