The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

The "patching up" of phonograph cabinets is unfortunately all too common among amateurs whose aim is to make a functional machine. But a bit of "patching up" was indeed performed in a few factories as well - - especially in the 1909-1914 period. Columbia and Keen-O-Phone were probably the biggest perpetrators.

Here's a page from Discovering Antique Phonographs which examines one such instance in detail. At first glance, this cabinet certainly looks like a home-brew! And yet...it isn't. (Click image twice to enlarge & sharpen it.)

George P.

In my opinion, both George and Uncle Vanya make credible and valuable points. Given that some of the modifications we encounter today, might have been done back in the day (either upon assembly at the factory, or by dealerships around the country, or even by the purchaser of the machine), we should not be boldly claiming that something different is a latter day alteration or fake.

Furthermore, mistakes can easily be made when looking at photographs, and to me, only the opinion of several experts who have examined the machine in question up close and in person, would be valid.

I too had a machine, which in the end, turned out to be a valid and early customization. It was a machine with an odd finish to the metal. A "knowledgeable" collector declared it to be an inaccurate restoration. I lost interest in it, and wound up trading it off, solely because that expert had decided it was an amateur modification. A few years later, I saw another one done exactly the same way, but with what appeared to be decades of patina.

Imagine what would have happened to coin-op history had the Glass modification been declared a fake!

Hopefully I haven't offended anyone with my candor. Cheers, Russie

Some very interesting dialog here, with some good historical background. My issue with the wood dust ring, are the crude marks on its inside diameter left by a circular saw blade, presumably. To my thinking, this does not suggest factory manufacture, either by Talk-O-Phone, who manufactured the cabinet, or by Columbia, who re-purposed it. That being said, I would not take it off! It's a cool looking feature and in years to come, we may see another that confirms its validity.

Just had a thought! (My first one today!) Does the dust ring appear to be applied to the surface of the motor board, OR, does it seem to fit within a circular groove, cut into the motor board face? The latter would suggest, to me, a "factory job".

Years ago I saw a Grafonola Regal, in oak, which was fitted with the usual rimless 12” turntable used on many machines with the nickled beauty ring which was fitted with a similar oak ring. I thought it remarkable at the time, but t have since noted a couple other examples.

Remember that the fit and finish on Columbia cabinets was not quite up the Victor standards, particularly in the cheaper machines, and that all cabinet work was bought in from myriad different contractors.

Sorry I can't provide more pictures. This machine was left behind when I returned from vacation. I won't be returning for several months to fetch it so will be unable to provide details that might help solve the controversy.