The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

kirtley2012 wrote: Thu Nov 06, 2025 5:39 pm Oh dear, shoved in the back, poor thing might want some straightening out, I’ll keep it on my radar

Steve wrote: Sat Nov 08, 2025 11:23 am £400 with commission.

The soundbox was missing the stylus bar and the diaphragm needs attention. I don't know if the motor runs. The motorboard and tonearm rail had been over varnished but I'm not certain if the innards were pulled from another Mark 9 as the finish doesn't match the outside of the case.

What is a complete perfect Mk 9 worth these days?

emgcr wrote: Sat Nov 08, 2025 5:02 pm Well, I have found myself in some pretty potty situations over the years but this was a particulaly strange one ! The items appeared about ten miles away from me so I attended the auction and managed to make a successful bid. I did not take delivery of the commode which perhaps was last used during the relief of Mafikeng ?

It is an interesting example and is in virtually "as new" condition in many respects but clearly has not been used since perhaps the nineteen-fifties judging by the fact that every single part is/was seized solid---even the main bearing of the tonearm ! The number on the latter is 377 (stamped on the underside of the bearing flange) and the nickel plating is perfect---as good as it gets. The horn spigot was immovable in its socket and required an afternoon's work to extract with the aid of much penetrating fluid and heat. Mechanical extraction was then necessary which was provided by my old stubby Mk IX horn which allowed a platform to bring lever pressure to bear. I thought it rather fun to use another EMG part to assist its brother !

The tonearm bearing cap also caused problems but again the threads yielded to heat and a strong motor car oil filter extraction tool with braided nylon strap--a very useful item which avoids damage to the knurled cap.

The motor is an induction Garrard A.C.4 in very good condition. I have not tested this due to antiquated and cracked wiring but I am sure it will work well in due course following routine maintenance.

The deck-boards are a bit of a mystery being finished in a different colour to the rest of the case and may be replacements. I do not think they are original to EMG as the tonearm rest is positioned incorrectly and will not allow proper support---strange indeed but easy to put right.

The correct 53mm soundbox is wrecked, having had the stylus and platform ripped out but the springs and knife-edge supports are still there and in good order. The diaphragm is probably repairable but a new one would make more sense.

There is no number stamped anywhere on the woodwork (unusual) but the ogee case feet would tend to suggest a pre WW2---perhaps 1937/8 or even earlier as the motor was introduced in 1933 ?

I have now reassembled everything and Alex will be collecting by train in the not too distant future so that he can utilise his cleverly restored horn, currently on an HMV 32, to make another fine fully working Mk IX gramophone.

poodling around wrote: Sat Nov 08, 2025 12:38 pm
I for one (if you bought it) am very envious !

Thinking of re- selling ????

emgcr wrote: Sun Nov 09, 2025 2:38 am

poodling around wrote: Sat Nov 08, 2025 12:38 pm
I for one (if you bought it) am very envious !

Thinking of re- selling ????

If you are looking for a Mk IX I can assist.