The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Since the Granddaughter of the owner told me the last time this machine played was when "he" was a little boy. Now 89...I guess it's been awhile. Due to this and other initial safety concerns, I decided to play her outside. At least until I become used to her ways.
Surprisingly, the engine just fired right up where it last left off. Not even a hick-up.

Of course running a machine like this outside is not an optimal situation. A gust of wind caused the engine to slow down. However, once the flame was back on target.....she when right on playing.

I am truly amazed at how sturdy the engine is. It is always exciting to see a machine come back to life after many decades of silence.
http://youtu.be/2UQl7Kboxz4
http://youtu.be/_rr8TbfH89c

The reason that there are not many of these machines in existence is because they burned up in the house fires they started...

Curt A wrote:The reason that there are not many of these machines in existence is because they burned up in the house fires they started...

While daddy was out, the children wondered if it popped corn too!

The forum members are having a string of good luck, (not a string of popcorn).

James.

Curt A wrote:The reason that there are not many of these machines in existence is because they burned up in the house fires they started...

Yes, there is no question regarding the incendiary properties with these machines. However, I think burning houses down may be more a urban legend running wild... .

In fact, based on existing serial numbers and period Paillard catalogs....we can reasonably conclude few machines were made and certainly custom ordered by a discerning customer.

Certainly not by a weak hearted individual.

That is fantastic!

I had no idea such a thing existed!

Probably worth a fortune?

Curt A wrote:The reason that there are not many of these machines in existence is because they burned up in the house fires they started...

Paillard's advertisements claimed that these machines were both noiseless and fireproof, but only the former claim was consistent with the experience of some owners.

Fireproof or not, one of these would be right at the top of my dream machine list, and to own two......

I was trying to think of the most appropriate record to play on such a machine. A couple titles popped into mind but were disqualified for various reasons:

1) "Fire!" on Edison diamond disk. Technically incompatible, I am afraid.

2) "The Old Fiery Cross" on the KKK label. Being an American label and European machine, that title probably isn't appropriate either.

Suggestions?

What about Fletcher Henderson's "Hot mustard" ? I shouldn't let a little thing like being American of the wrong period cause any problem ! Let's have fun.......

Slightly nearer the mark could be John McCormack singing "Keep the Home Fires Burning".........if not thought too irreverent ?

Trawling through my collection list, here are some particularly apt ones!

De Falla's Ritual Fire Dance

Louis Armstrong & his Hot 7 - Fireworks

(Any number of versions) - I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire

Mound City Blue Blowers - Fire House Blues

Harry Reser's Syncopators - Fire! (Sadly resonant since Tom Stacks lost his life due to a fire)

The Washboard Rhythm Kings - Fire

(Anything by) The Seven Hot Air Men

Apologies to Nat M.Wills: "No News, or What Broke the Gramophone"


No sir, no sir - nuthin' happened while you was away.... well, exeptin' the gramophone - it broke............