The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

donniej wrote:

brianu wrote:if this is the machine that was for sale through craigslist near Philadelphia, I considered it myself but was concerned about the extra drill holes for the crank...

Yes, that's the machine. I don't know what you mean about "extra drill holes for the crank". Which holes are you referring to?



Would you post a photo of the left side of the machine showing the general area where the crank enters the cabinet? I received several photos from the seller and in a couple at least one additional crank hole was visible, although it may have been plugged (I can't recall exactly). That's why I never bought it. Although it may not be the case here, that often indicates that someone has swapped out the original motor.

brianu wrote:
Would you post a photo of the left side of the machine showing the general area where the crank enters the cabinet? I received several photos from the seller and in a couple at least one additional crank hole was visible, although it may have been plugged (I can't recall exactly). That's why I never bought it. Although it may not be the case here, that often indicates that someone has swapped out the original motor.

Here are the pics of the sides. There are no additional crank holes.
As a bonus is a pic of my Edison "4 clip" on top of it

Victrola-Monkey wrote:Good job on your purchase, you got a great buy, glad a member got it.

The Actuellé cabinet in Oak is the Model H and in Mahogany it's the Model J.

I'm reposting the article below that another member previously posted:

Thank you for all the great info!!

Yes there IS an additional crank hole

estott wrote:Yes there IS an additional crank hole

So do you think this may have happened at the factory or some time thereafter?

brianu wrote:

estott wrote:Yes there IS an additional crank hole

So do you think this may have happened at the factory or some time thereafter?

After- it would never ever leave the factory like that. Someone replaced the motor and found one that was a decent fit but not perfect.

Sorry guys but there is not a second hole.
Just to the front of the crank hole there is what was clearly where the bit hit the wood but it's only through the finish. Judging by the oxidation, it happened a very long time ago.

donniej wrote:Sorry guys but there is not a second hole.
Just to the front of the crank hole there is what was clearly where the bit hit the wood but it's only through the finish. Judging by the oxidation, it happened a very long time ago.

It's nothing to be sorry about, it's still a great find, but that hole has definitely been redrilled, or drilled at least twice. Do you have a shot of the motor? That would definitely help clarify whether it's correct for a Pathé or instead some other substitute.

estott wrote:

brianu wrote:

estott wrote:Yes there IS an additional crank hole

So do you think this may have happened at the factory or some time thereafter?

After- it would never ever leave the factory like that. Someone replaced the motor and found one that was a decent fit but not perfect.

Quite correct. I'm quite surprised that anyone could mistake that for a genuine original factory fit and finish.

brianu wrote:
It's nothing to be sorry about, it's still a great find, but that hole has definitely been redrilled, or drilled at least twice. Do you have a shot of the motor? That would definitely help clarify whether it's correct for a Pathé or instead some other substitute.

You're right, it's a hole. Looking at it from the inside, someone filled it with a piece of wood dow.

It has a Heineman P5001 motor. It just happens to be out awaiting new springs, so heres a pic and a few from the inside.
Please note that the spring barrels gears are screwed to the side, just to keep from misplacing them.

If this sheds new light on the history of this machine, please let me know what you think.