The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

A frakenphone is just a machine assembled from different components normally unrelated to each other. So in a way this machine qualifies.

But she is an original beautiful one and is certainly collectible

krkey1 wrote:A frakenphone is just a machine assembled from different components normally unrelated to each other. So in a way this machine qualifies.

But she is an original beautiful one and is certainly collectible

I suppose then that any machine produced from parts not manufactured by the original patent holders might fit this description.

Best,
Fran

I find it quite odd how the machine was modeled after the Victor 260, but it has the components of an orthophonic machine. I assume it was the ignorance of the artist. Even so, there is no wrong there! Still a beautiful machine with a nice finish.

I'd love to know the backstory on this unique phonograph.

Best,
Fran

fran604g wrote:I'd love to know the backstory on this unique phonograph.

Best,
Fran

Fran... the "backstory" was included in Raphael's listing:

"THE BRASS BEAUTY"

This certainly is the most unique phonograph we've ever come across. Similar in form and style to a Victrola VV-260, this is entirely clad in brass, including the horn and phonograph tone arm and mechanism.

The back story is that this was originally made in the 1920's on custom order for a brass manufacturing tycoon located in Chicago. It has been lovingly (and expensively) polished and lacquered. Certainly, you may never see another example such as this!

Thanks for that, Curt.

Fran

Curt A wrote: "The back story is that this was originally made in the 1920's on custom order for a brass manufacturing tycoon located in Chicago. It has been lovingly (and expensively) polished and lacquered. Certainly, you may never see another example such as this!"

I spotted that in the ebay ad too.

I have to say, it's interesting that a pre-1925 Victor type cabinet was fitted with a 1925-or-later Victor Orthophonic tonearm & sound box; and a very early style, circa 1910, morning glory horn was used instead of the small (straight) exponential horn, which would have been more appropriate for the tonearm & sound box.

Along this line, I also wish the seller would post a high quality video of it playing--preferably, a good condition electrical recording, to verify that the whole thing doesn't buzz and rattle in sympathy with the record.

OrthoFan

I saw this machine when auctioned about 2 years ago. It's beautifully made. I would not call it a Frankenphone, as that usually defines a hodgepodge mess, done with little skill and even less appeal. This machine is far from that. It's obviously a very high quality, custom made item, with definite collector appeal, (even if it does not suit your personal taste). Would you call the very interesting specialty machine, shown here recently, housed in the cabinet that looks like an opera house, a Frankenphone?

Several friends have called me to ask my opinion about the "frankenphone" designation, but frankly it doesn't concern me one way or another, it is what it is. I bought it for it's uniqueness and "bling factor", and it sits in my home, where Mama Cole doesn't allow any of what hard-core collectors call "original finish" machines. They either look sharp or stay out of sight, according to her rules.

I made a video, and it seems the speed control may need some internal adjustment as it is running a wee bit slow. I will tend to that shortly:

https://youtu.be/LfEENIYK1Fs

And for those of you unaware, eBay is no longer permitting videos on their listings. That is why there was none posted on eBay.


Raphael

Hi Raphael:

Many thanks for posting the video!

It seems to handle an acoustic recording very well. I would imagine an electrically recorded disc would also sound pretty good--since it is equipped with an Orthophonic sound box and tone coupled to a morning glory style horn. I suspect it would be very close to the later HMV 32s -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpOghL14QBk -- or on par with a Consolette, and would pump out a pretty good mid-range.

OrthoFan