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I just got home from a day trip to pick up a record cabinet and meet a forum member take possession of a Vic V up in St. Louis. The person that sold me the record cabinet had a small phonograph that he was willing to sell. After a quick phone call to Jerry, I decided to take him up on the offer. I know that there are issues with the horn and with the reproducer, but are there any other problems that you guys can see with this phonograph? The seller thought it to be all original except the reproducer and the "rubber" padding on the horn support. It will get a cleaning over the next week or so, but probably not much of one as I do not want to cause any damage to the decal or original finish. Thoughts?

By the way, thanks Jerry!

Matt

Congratulations on your Zonophone. With a little cleanup and body & fender work on the horn, it should be a very nice machine. I'd try Kotton Klenser on the case. It looks like the turntable is covered with velvet. Is that correct? Jerry

mattrx wrote:I just got home from a day trip to pick up a record cabinet and meet a forum member take possession of a Vic V up in St. Louis. The person that sold me the record cabinet had a small phonograph that he was willing to sell. After a quick phone call to Jerry, I decided to take him up on the offer. I know that there are issues with the horn and with the reproducer, but are there any other problems that you guys can see with this phonograph? The seller thought it to be all original except the reproducer and the "rubber" padding on the horn support. It will get a cleaning over the next week or so, but probably not much of one as I do not want to cause any damage to the decal or original finish. Thoughts?

By the way, thanks Jerry!

Matt

Send the horn to John "ripduff". Horn fixing is what he is doing. Cleaning the decal will be tricky. Sometimes it's better to leave well enough alone.......if you know what I mean.... .

I plan to send the horn to "ripduff" for sure. The horn on my Vic I cam from him. Nice guy, excellent work.

The turntable is covered with velvet. I know absolutely nothing about Zon-o-phones and so I have not idea what is correct. The velvet looks quite old and has been on the machine for a long time, but I doubt it is correct. Any thoughts on replacing it with felt, and if so the correct color?

Also, how do you determine a manufacture date for these machines?

Matt

mattrx wrote: The turntable is covered with velvet. I know absolutely nothing about Zon-o-phones and so I have not idea what is correct. The velvet looks quite old and has been on the machine for a long time, but I doubt it is correct. Any thoughts on replacing it with felt, and if so the correct color?

Also, how do you determine a manufacture date for these machines?

Matt

The velvet is not original to the machine. A mossy-colored felt would be an accurate replacement.

Here's a recent thread on a Zonophone of the same general vintage as yours:

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... one#p85246

George P.

Thank you George. The machine has the Universal Talking Machine MFG Co decal and would therefore be dated during or after 1902, is that correct?

Cool, Matt! What a great find!

mattrx wrote:Thank you George. The machine has the Universal Talking Machine MFG Co decal and would therefore be dated during or after 1902, is that correct?

Yep - - 1902 to perhaps early 1904 would be my estimate.

George P.

I have contacted John Duffy about rolling the horn and will send it out soon for repair. If you look closely you can see on the front of the machine a very faint remnant of the decal that says "Home". The rear decal is there and legible, but not clear. Greg Cline offers new decals. I don't think I want to do anything to the rear decal, but what are some thoughts on putting a new decal on the front? I plan to clean the finish and clean the metal, and replace the velvet with old felt, but otherwise leave it alone. I am really on the fence only about the new "Home" decal.

George, there is a license attached to the bottom of the cabinet. Is is partially damaged, but the serial # is written on the license and a date of 1903 is listed there.

mattrx wrote: George, there is a license attached to the bottom of the cabinet. Is is partially damaged, but the serial # is written on the license and a date of 1903 is listed there.

I'm not a bit surprised! Is the serial number written with red ink?

As for the "Home" decal, I'd go the route you have planned, then give it a few months. If the imperfect "Home" decal still bothers you, you can always replace it, but sometimes the honest imperfections of a century-old machine are more appealing than a restoration. It's your call.

George P.