The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi All. Newby here. While out looking for Diamond Discs for my Edison H19 last weekend, I ran across a Sonora Imperial in pretty good shape. After tinkering with the motor and tone arm for an hour or so, I was listening to 78s. Along with the player came the owner's manual, a copy of a 1917 and a 1918 record catalog, a personal index book, package of needles, etc. and 50 or so 78s.

One thing that I cannot figure out is small wooden ball slightly smaller than a ping pong ball with a hole through it as though it was mounted on a shaft. The outer circumference of the ball also appears to have wear as though it has turned against something. Any thoughts?

I can't seem to find much information about the Imperial model online so any help with that will be appreciated.

Also, the grill was obviously broken in the past and some of the spokes were removed and sanded smooth. It looks pretty good as is but I would like to find an intact grill if anyone has one. Also need a cabinet key.

Thanks,
Doc (Bill)

Hi Bill, welcome!

If you post photos of the parts you are talking about, it may be helpful in determining what they are, or if anyone has an extra.

Will do Brandon. I will take photos tonight for posting.

Here is a photo of the Sonora showing how the grill was modified and the wooden ball.

Is the wooden ball part of a caster maybe?

Great suggestion and one that I had not thought of. I'm sure you are correct. The player originally had casters but they were not with it except, perhaps, this one last piece. Thanks Brandon.

I've owned a number of antique phonographs, including several sonoras and at least one imperial. I don't think that wooden "ball" has anything to do with the machine. random, unaffiliated junk appears in these things all the time.

Could be brianu. Brandon suggested a part of a caster (which are missing from the machine). I could certainly see it being that.