The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi Guys, New to the forum. I was doing some research and ran across a few posts from a couple years ago on the restoration of a Rosenfield Illustrated Song Machine. There was also a brief discussion of the Rosenfield CHAIR PHONE with a picture of an advertisement which I had seen once before. Several years ago I found an Illustrated Song machine and after a lengthy restoration process sold it to an advanced arcade collector. It was unique among those known in that it had an oblong plaque on the front rather than the round one commonly seen (if you can call it common!) I made a copy of it before I moved it along. Of course, I never wanted to part with the machine but being a shop teacher I really couldn't justify keeping such a machine given my financial situation.....
Which brings us to the present.. I recently found and purchased an original gearbox (and cash box door)from a Rosenfield machine and am tossing around the idea of eventually building a Rosenfield CHAIR PHONE. Is there anybody out there who has a nice copy or scan of that flyer or any other info on the CHAIR PHONE? Also any spare scraps from any Rosenfield machines out there?? I know...tough find but you never know! Thanks a ton!! - Chris

Hello Chris, and welcome to the forum.

I'm the guy who posted the Illustrated Song Machine back in 2011. They're interesting machines, aren't they? I'd be interested in seeing a photo of the oblong plaque that yours carried.

I've never seen a Chair Phone in the flesh, but I wish you the best of luck in building one. I may be able to help with some of the cast parts. I have 12 professionally-made patterns for moulding the cast parts used in the Rosenfield Talking Machine portion of their products (including the cash box). These patterns were made 7% oversize to allow for shrinkage so that any parts cast from these will interchange with originals. I was going to put these patterns on eBay, but if you think you could use them, PM me and let's talk. I'd be pleased to see them put to good use.

George P.

For those who wanted to see the other plaque, here is a small display I made up of repro front plaques, coin insert plate and I.D. plate. I mounted it on the original cabinet top. The machine had been found in a garage and nailed between two studs currently serving as a tool cabinet!! (original beveled glass intact!)

Wow - that oblong plaque is nice! I wish the company had used that one on all the ISMs!

Thanks for posting this, Chris.

George P.