New to forum, looking for info..rare Pathé??

[Benjamin_L]

Well, that pretty much sums up everything the OP was asking for; there isn't much more anyone else can add really, perhaps other than to point out that the catalogue illustration provided shows a very subtly different cabinet to the one the OP has, presumably as few as they manufactured of these, there was still an opportunity to produce different variants.

I don't see any differences?

[Curt A]

It would be an interesting project to re-do the oscillator/diffusor cone. First, carefully remove it and use it for a pattern. Copy it onto the correct size paper (thinner is better) and then have it heat laminated. This is the method I have used successfully to replicate oscillators for Polly Portable phonographs, which operate similarly. The laminated paper is strong, yet thin and reproduces sound very well (better than the original heavy paper oscillators).

After laminating, cut it to the original size and carefully re-install it. Keep the original and don't fold it. The only way to repair the original is to overlay the tear with some sort of thin material (maybe silk) and glue it, but it might affect the sound quality.

[CarlosV]

It would be an interesting project to re-do the oscillator/diffusor cone. First, carefully remove it and use it for a pattern. Copy it onto the correct size paper (thinner is better) and then have it heat laminated. This is the method I have used successfully to replicate oscillators for Polly Portable phonographs, which operate similarly. The laminated paper is strong, yet thin and reproduces sound very well (better than the original heavy paper oscillators).

After laminating, cut it to the original size and carefully re-install it. Keep the original and don't fold it. The only way to repair the original is to overlay the tear with some sort of thin material (maybe silk) and glue it, but it might affect the sound quality.

Curt, the tricky part of making new paper cones is that their rims have to be molded - curved - to fit in the frame. This is the case for both the US Actuelle and the French Diffusor machines. Moreover the French Diffusor is not designed to allow such replacement, the cone is held to the frame by rivets, not screws, so to replace them the rivets have be destroyed. The Actuelle is held by screws, so replacement is feasible, but I'm afraid the lamination you propose would make the cone too stiff to bend.

[VanEpsFan1914]

If I recall correctly a fellow named Mr Buford Chichester used to make cones for Actuelle diffusors and early radio speakers.

[JerryVan]

If I recall correctly a fellow named Mr Buford Chichester used to make cones for Actuelle diffusors and early radio speakers.

Found on the web...


"Cones ofthe Roaring 20's, Buford Chidester,705 Locust street,Mount Wold, PA. 17347 (717)266-4450
Wonderful reproduction speaker cones for those 20's speakers. Buford's work is the absolute highest quality available."

[Curt A]

Carlos, if the diffusor has rivets, they need to be drilled out anyway and either re-riveted or replaced with screws. The molded edge problem would be solved with a hair dryer or heat gun and the laminated paper is very flexible, as long as stiff cardstock is not used. If I had a Pathé diffusor, I would not hesitate experimenting, especially if it had a hole in it already. The Polly Portable oscillators require bending into a cone shape and then latched/un-latched to fold.

Also, the type of lamination I use is thin, not thick like an ID card. Think of an office document that is laminated - very flexible.

[Inigo]

Dears... What is LAMINATED paper? Can this be made at home in a simple way, or must it be acquired somewhere? It's it common use for any modern art work or something?
Thanks for illustrating an ignorant...

[JerryVan]

Always interesting on forums, how the OP will ask a question, then essentially disappear, but the discussion goes on and on afterwards. Hopefully, the OP will report back on his great find. If he's still keeping track, I'd suggest contacting Mr. Chichester, mentioned above. I believe he has made these cones many times. This high quality phonograph deserves a proper cone, and just just a patchwork, repaired example.

[Curt A]

Dears... What is LAMINATED paper? Can this be made at home in a simple way, or must it be acquired somewhere? It's it common use for any modern art work or something?
Thanks for illustrating an ignorant...

Inigo, laminated paper is normal paper that is placed in a laminating machine which heat seals a clear plastic coating on front and back. It is normally used to protect documents which are frequently used and need durable protection. Here is an example, which I hope helps...

https://www.amazon.com/vdp/0f5a1046f598 ... JEJPC?th=1

[PeterF]

Just learned that Buford Chidester passed away this morning. He was well advanced in years, so this should not be too much of a surprise, but it’s a sad shock nonetheless.

He was a nice guy, extremely knowledgeable and talented in his cone speaker restoration work, and - best of all - generous with his knowledge and time.

But now, sadly, that time has run out.