The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I could buy this machine - but know nothing about the brand Fischer. The spring is broken, the 2 needlecups are gone, the knobs on the doors to the recordcabinet also gone - the rest is there but in a sad estate, nickel mostly gone but the parts are there...

Is it worth restoring? Anyone have any information as to when its from etc? What it might sound like in working order?

The lettering style and trademark are identical to the J&C Fischer Piano Co. Many piano firms had a try at building phonographs when the home market began to decline in the 20's.

http://www.sweeneypiano.com/interstate/ ... pianos.cfm

http://www.dcpianos.com/html/wp-content ... -Front.JPG


As to the value, I think in the present condition the value is less than $100. The nicest part is that pretty scrollwork grille, without it the machine would be worthless except for parts. Rebuild it if you like it, but you might put more effort into restoring it than it would ever be worth.

If you're buying this machine as a money making investment , then no it's not worth much now , and never will be . If you are considering the restoration of an obscure piece of North American history , then it's well worth the cost. For too long now the gramophone collecting society has focused it's interest and the placement of value on the products of Edison , Victor , and Columbia , and has relegated these "off brands" to the catagories of "little or no interest ,worthless junk"...Many of these obscure companies produced a fine product , with quality that far exceeded that of Victor , Edison ,or Columbia..I have a Gerhart Heintzman gramophone..also made by a piano making company . They didn't know how to make anything cheaply , the quality is outstanding...this Fischer looks to be cut from the same cloth...It deserves to be restored

That's an interesting machine. Not unlike a Pooley I have made by the well-known furniture company several years after they made cabinets for Victor and Edison and sold their own line. This Fischer machine has the same hardware inside my Pooley has. They used a very good motor, tonearm and reproducer that are of higher quality than you usually see in an off-brand machine. If it appeals to you and the price is reasonable, I'd certainly give it a go.

Sean

Looks like the tone arm and reproducer may be pot metal. I'd have a close look at them.

Clay

[quote="FloridaClay"]Looks like the tone arm and reproducer may be pot metal. I'd have a close look at them.

Clay[/quote

Particularly the soundbox as it looks like the gaskets need changing and it may not come apart !

As I stated above, the parts are the exact same ones Pooley used on their machines. I have owned a few of them and kept the one with the fanciest cabinet, which I'll feature here sometime, it's a beauty. As to the pot metal on these, it is pot metal, but very good, sturdy pot metal, at least all 3 I've had were, no cracks, stress lines, nothing and I'd be willing to bet you a Bing Crosby Decca of "White Christmas" that this one isn't any less sturdy. Those reproducers are exactly the same size as the Victrola #2 and sound surprisingly good when rebuilt. The back of these screws off just like that of a #2 as well.

Sean

If it appeals to you and the price is right (below $100.00), buy it. I've passed on many of those over the years because they just don't appeal to me. Although I've had a couple of "off brands" over the years, they were bought because of records or accessories which were included in the deal. Just my personal preference.

Jim

Duplicate post. Sorry.

Jim

Thanks guys for all the replies! I thought as much / that it'll never be worth any money but then that's not so important. I feel really tempted though to take on the bet with the White Christmas record. How about throwing in one by Glenn Miller / Moonlight serenade maybe!!
If I go for it and restore it I'll post it here w. before an after pics!!