The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

The motor pictured here is a double spring Heineman Motor stamped Motor of Quality, they are notoriously hard to adjust with their eccentric bearings.

I have an identical phonograph to the one being discussed here. I tried to post as a guest but not sure when/ if it'll show up. The story of mine is that I found it in a family garage of an old friend it had been sitting for years with a garbage bag over it and bungy cords holding it together. I asked for it in hopes of restoring it and finding out as much as I could about it. All that I was able to conclude (after 3 years) before seeing this thread was that it at some point was a Pathé actuelle that appeared to have been modified/ modernized by someone at a later date (so I thought). I am very much an amatuer about these and didn't know much about it's possible value, but knowing that given the condition it was in it wasn't worth much. I did my own restore/ modification (don't hate me if you're a true purist) and converted the lower storage area to a Ipod docking station. I've retained the upper workings and in fact it still could operate as a phonograph, there is a broken piece on the needle portion, I'm not sure what it called but it's circular and appears to do something for the sound. I would like to post some pictures but I'm not sure how. I'll attempt after this post. My phonograph has no nameplate for brand or serial number plates etc. The only thing of reference is some chalk writing under the table where the horn is that says varibox 100.

Here is a link to my flickr page where you can see the photos of my phonograph

http://www.flickr.com/photos/51863034@N ... 508429850/

I am a new guy here and finally I've found alittle info. I own a Operaphone which belonged to my great grandfather. It's alittle rough and to be honest I couldn't find any info on it at all. Mine is just like the pictures and still works except for the needle. I've been searching for away to put an age with mine and hadn't had any luck. There's no data tag..... I have no idea of their worth or anything. All I know is it is old.... So if you guys have any more ideas on this machine please let me know, PM me, email me or what ever info you might have. Thanks.

I've recently become an owner of a operaphone and would like to also have some info on this machine any and all help greatly apreciated. Thanks.

I reckon I waisted my time here. I was hoping to find some help on my machine. Not looking to sell it. I was hoping to put a date on this guy and find some more info out. Searching on the web has turned up very little unless your looking for records. Oh well. Still if you got any kind of help to offer let be said.

operaphone wrote:I reckon I waisted my time here. I was hoping to find some help on my machine. Not looking to sell it. I was hoping to put a date on this guy and find some more info out. Searching on the web has turned up very little unless your looking for records. Oh well. Still if you got any kind of help to offer let be said.

We can't help you very much without pictures or a description.

operaphone wrote:I reckon I waisted my time here.

with that kind of attitude, don't expect much help.
Let me Google that for you.

operaphone wrote:I reckon I waisted my time here. I was hoping to find some help on my machine. Not looking to sell it. I was hoping to put a date on this guy and find some more info out. Searching on the web has turned up very little unless your looking for records. Oh well. Still if you got any kind of help to offer let be said.

As you have already discovered, so little is known about the Operaphone that I doubt anyone can date your machine precisely, but I would hazard a guess it was probably made between 1915-1920. I base my estimate on general phonograph history. Victor and Columbia had a near monopoly on disk phonographs until the mid-teens when their controlling patents expired. After that, perhaps hundreds of small companies tried their hand at making and selling phonographs. Many bought wholesale parts from Europe and slapped them into cabinets they built themselves or bought elsewhere. Many of those brands are very obscure today and have relatively little value compared to the Victors, Columbias and Edisons. I also urge you to post photographs that might enlighten all of us regarding these rare machines.

And here it is as a Pathé machine.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Victori ... 5894f34250