The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Interesting! We would never know who the collector was just by the photographs, unless the photos can some how be "decoded." If that is the case, it is well above my technology pay grade!!! Remember, I collect acoustic phonographs!!!

It would be very helpful to see the photographs. That way we all can compare and contrast. It helps all of us.

Best,
Jeff

I find it interesting that the limit pin on the back of the reproducer was moved?, or possibly incorrectly installed originally?

Bob S.

It is more likely than not a clean original missing the correct thumb screw.

Yes, I wish I could share the pictures especially since it is difficult to find many pictures of genuine originals, but a promise is a promise. Yes I found it curious that pin had apparently been moved. Again that is something that makes me suspect.

Steve

Steve,

I think that the best way to determine if this reproducer is original or repro. would be to carefully disassemble it with good hollow ground screwdrivers, being very careful not to damage anything.

If the gaskets are modern and still flexible, then it is a repro.

If the gaskets are dried out brittle rubber with the original paper gaskets present, then it is an original.

Just my 2 cents, Bob S.

Bob,

That is an elegantly simple solution. If it is a 1970s or later reproduction it certainly would not have old dead gaskets. I have pondered doing this after you posted your comments. If I planned to keep this reproducer I would not hesitate to very carefully take it apart and see. Since I plan to sell it I am afraid that the head might snap off of a frozen screw.

Something did occur to me. The house was completely full at the estate sale where I purchased this, but there was not a single indication that this elderly man was a phonograph collector. He was big into collecting mechanical things over the years but the only phonograph related items in the house were an Edison A100, an extra head for it, and a beat up Graphonola tone arm. No other phonograph parts, no phonograph books, no extra phonographs that the family left behind for the estate sale. So why would a non-phonograph collector happen to have a reproduction reproducer?

Anyway just some of my pondering. I plan to sell this and move on.

Steve

PM sent

Make sure the price is commensurate whether it is a reproduction or an original. It would not be fair to sell this as an original, and it turns out to be a reproduction.
Harvey Kravitz

Yes I understand. That's why I have been trying so hard to figure out just what this is.

Steve

Okay all,

I have taken Bob’s advice and very carefully removed the screws holding on the reproducer cover. Since I did not want to disconnect the needle bar from the diaphragm there is only so far that I can open the cover, but I believe I have discovered what Bob and others told me I should be looking for. The outer paper gasket does not appear to be modern, but is deteriorated and broken into pieces. It would seem several pieces are already gone, but two small pieces fell out which I was able to save and photograph. I was also able to photograph the edge of the remaining gasket as well as the screws. I have more pictures if you like but I think these are the best. I am now carefully reassembling the reproducer.

Based on this and the comments of several forum members I now believe this is an original Zonophone. What do you think?

Steve