The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

raphael wrote:This is indeed the machine that was at Wayne, and in my booth at Union. It was restored by Paul Baker and we are working together to find a buyer.

Raphael, what's the history on this particular machine?

Paul owned it for a number of years prior to restoration, and like many restorers has a warehouse full of "projects" to draw from. The previous owner declined to give Paul any history on the machine, which is also not unusual, many collectors wish to remain anonymous for various reasons. So, unfortunately, there's nothing interesting or exciting to mention about where it came from or where it's been.

Given Baker's skillfulness at replicating parts, what percentage of parts in this machine are original?

About 85-90% of the mechanical components are original.

raphael wrote:About 85-90% of the mechanical components are original.

I saw it at Union. The restoration was excellently done as you would expect Paul and it functioned really perfectly. A high asking price becomes more understandable when you see up close how awfully complicated that mechanism is.