The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi

Could anyone please assist me in identifying the machine in the attached image.
The absence of the pivot arm has me confused.Is it missing or was this the
original design ?

Many thanks.

This is a modern fantasy/fake - a "Crapophone"

Antiques RSA wrote:Hi

Could anyone please assist me in identifying the machine in the attached image.
The absence of the pivot arm has me confused.Is it missing or was this the
original design ?

Many thanks.

This machine is in its original configuration, as it was originally built in India in the 1990's, and yet available ( see: http://www.superbrass.com/users/goodvibes/grama.htm ) The Indian-built machines, commonly known these days as "Crapophones" superficially resemble real disc talking machines. They are available in quantity at between thirty-five dollars and sixty dollars US< F. O. B. Mumbai, and are commonly flogged off on the unsuspecting antiques trade by being salted in to "estate" auctions along with genuine vintage merchandise.

Uncle Vanya wrote:

Antiques RSA wrote:Hi

Could anyone please assist me in identifying the machine in the attached image.
The absence of the pivot arm has me confused.Is it missing or was this the
original design ?

Many thanks.

This machine is in its original configuration, as it was originally built in India in the 1990's, and yet available ( see: http://www.superbrass.com/users/goodvibes/grama.htm ) The Indian-built machines, commonly known these days as "Crapophones" superficially resemble real disc talking machines. They are available in quantity at between thirty-five dollars and sixty dollars US< F. O. B. Mumbai, and are commonly flogged off on the unsuspecting antiques trade by being salted in to "estate" auctions along with genuine vintage merchandise.

I looked at that website, and do you know what they include to sweeten the deal? "10 Needles free (lifelong supply)" Well, that certainly does the trick for me!

In this case, it was very easy to conclude what this machine is. In future, whenever asking about a machine......showing the complete unit would always be better for all though..... .

Yes, definitely a fake.

As for your question about the "absence of a pivot arm," there were a number of (authentic) Gramophones that used a similar design. They were normally low-end models, such as the Victor Junior --



(SEE: http://www.victor-victrola.com/Victor%20Jr.htm )

By the way, if by "pivot arm" you mean tonearm, that did not appear on gramophones until circa 1902. Prior to that, the sound box or reproducer was connected directly to the horn, with a traveling arm--wood or metal--used to stabilize it. (Do an image search for Victor Front Mount to see what I'm talking about. )

HTH,
Joe

This page taught me many things:
http://www.gramophones.uk.com/informati ... amoph.html

So...where did the original forum member who posted this go??

Hi

Thank you all for the interest and replies.

I have posted a few more images as suggested. Some
of the parts to the machine appear to be authentic
but perhaps not. If not so be it. Gramophones in my
part of the world are extremely rare and expensive in any condition
but hopefully my efforts will be rewarded down the line with an authentic item.

Hailey wrote:So...where did the original forum member who posted this go??

Nowhere. Cooking dinner, homework with the kids, getting same to bed. It is
9.45 pm here in the RSA and I think about 1 pm in your country. In between all
these activities I can`t be on the forum (this will give rise to my wife having
a hissy fit).