The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Point taken, thanks.

Mormon S wrote: Wed Feb 04, 2026 4:14 pm One thing I have learned about European machines over the years is to never discount something because you have never seen it before,

I entirely agree. When confronted with an unfamiliar machine some less experienced collectors, and even some who should know better, assume that it is not genuine.
When the 1922 Deccalian Wine Cooler model came up for sale it was subjected to some of the most ill informed posts that I have ever seen on this forum. I kept quiet. I had done my research, I knew it to be genuine and I bought it.
Having bought it I did some further research and discovered that a previous owner was the Chairman of Decca. The machine is almost certainly unique (show me another) making it the rarest of the rare.
If there is a moral to this story it is "Research, Research, Research".

I just think it is a unique phonograph. I can't see someone in India fabricating an elliptical wooden horn for a 40.00 gramophone. Ok if it's an one off made in the 1950s still an interesting machine...IMHO. James Manker

I think I WILL bid on it and see what happens. If anyone's wanting to bid please PM me and I won't bid. I don't want to screw over another Forum member.

In response to a post from Garret in the Facebook gramophone group, Pedro Martinez, the well-known gramophone restorer, informed that he had that machine in his shop years ago, and confirmed it to be a high-end Frankenphone, with the case custom-made to fit the décor of the owner's house.

epigramophone wrote: Thu Feb 05, 2026 1:36 pm

Mormon S wrote: Wed Feb 04, 2026 4:14 pm One thing I have learned about European machines over the years is to never discount something because you have never seen it before,

I entirely agree. When confronted with an unfamiliar machine some less experienced collectors, and even some who should know better, assume that it is not genuine.
When the 1922 Deccalian Wine Cooler model came up for sale it was subjected to some of the most ill informed posts that I have ever seen on this forum. I kept quiet. I had done my research, I knew it to be genuine and I bought it.
Having bought it I did some further research and discovered that a previous owner was the Chairman of Decca. The machine is almost certainly unique (show me another) making it the rarest of the rare.
If there is a moral to this story it is "Research, Research, Research".

Yes, you have already mentioned the Decca several times before in other threads where members are rightly questioning the authenticity of a machine, a perfectly rational response to something "odd", but I'm certain you also realise that evidence of a previous owner in itself is not sufficient evidence to provide the authenticity of anything. Regarding that Decca specifically, the fact that it is the sole example in existence should cast doubts in anyone's mind; can you name any other maker which made one example of a gramophone model that wasn't made for an exhibition display?

CarlosV wrote: Sat Feb 07, 2026 11:20 am In response to a post from Garret in the Facebook gramophone group, Pedro Martinez, the well-known gramophone restorer, informed that he had that machine in his shop years ago, and confirmed it to be a high-end Frankenphone, with the case custom-made to fit the décor of the owner's house.

That is logical. Thanks for the update, Carlos!

Steve wrote: Mon Feb 09, 2026 4:27 am Yes, you have already mentioned the Decca several times before in other threads where members are rightly questioning the authenticity of a machine, a perfectly rational response to something "odd", but I'm certain you also realise that evidence of a previous owner in itself is not sufficient evidence to provide the authenticity of anything. Regarding that Decca specifically, the fact that it is the sole example in existence should cast doubts in anyone's mind; can you name any other maker which made one example of a gramophone model that wasn't made for an exhibition display?

The word of Sir Edward Lewis's grandson is good enough for me. Since you have already admitted to being the underbidder you must also have been convinced of it's authenticity, otherwise why did you bid to over £600?

epigramophone wrote: Mon Feb 09, 2026 4:49 am

Steve wrote: Mon Feb 09, 2026 4:27 am Yes, you have already mentioned the Decca several times before in other threads where members are rightly questioning the authenticity of a machine, a perfectly rational response to something "odd", but I'm certain you also realise that evidence of a previous owner in itself is not sufficient evidence to provide the authenticity of anything. Regarding that Decca specifically, the fact that it is the sole example in existence should cast doubts in anyone's mind; can you name any other maker which made one example of a gramophone model that wasn't made for an exhibition display?

The word of Sir Edward Lewis's grandson is good enough for me. Since you have already admitted to being the underbidder you must also have been convinced of it's authenticity, otherwise why did you bid to over £600?

Well to tell the absolute truth, I wasn't and I'm still not completely convinced, but it is so bizarre and obviously unique (and strangely attractive to my eyes) I was willing to take the risk on it, if for no other reason than to take a deeper "look under the bonnet". For one thing, and you might be able to remedy this by providing better photos than the ones the auctioneers did, the side panels in the lid either side of the standard Deccalian dulciflex, appeared to not match the original wood or colour. You had the advantage of actually being there in the room to view it, and even though I obviously did not know it was you at the time, I realised someone was there with it bidding in the room rather than simply another internet buyer. I collect Decca machines and have a couple of Deccalians already which might have fetched £300-500 at one point so you can add on anything over this for "rare item / risk factor".

May I suggest that you stop clutching at straws and take a look at these.
You may recognise the initials on the front cover. You may even remember his wise words in another thread "Why would it be a fake?"