The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I bought this small cast-iron based phonograph yesterday at a antique radio show.... I can find no identifying labels or stampings. A chunk of the pot metal tonearm is missing and the reproducer has been rigged a wee bit - but it will play. Is anybody familiar with it or where I can find more info? Thanks....

Been years since I've seen one but it looks like a Vanophone.

You have a VERY good memory - though I believe mine is not a Vanophone due to a few obvious differences in design...... ? perhaps an early 'knock-off' ??? Here's a Vanophone -



Any other suggestions out there???

Thanks

A Melodograph maybe?

Thanks Brian..... I think you're on the right track! Mine certainly has the same boxy shape of a Melodograph - though there are some differences in the tone arm arrangement. I did find a video of an "unknown" phonograph on You Tube exactly like mine - but set up to play vertically cut records...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpNFHjP-ZLM

And here's what one viewer had to say about it....

"The machine was manufactured in the 19-teens. It was sold under various brand names, most notably Melodograph and was offered as a merchandise premium. "Buy 10 ratchet-latchets and get a free phonograph." The machine was designed to play both vertically and laterally cut records. As you are showing it, it will play Edison/Pathé records. Pivot the head 90 degrees to the right and it will play conventional records. Your example appears to be in pretty good shape for a "free" phonograph."

Also looks like Melodograph had their own 7" vertically cut records for these machines......

I’ve got the same phonograph only no reproducer