The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

This might qualify as one of the most baffling eBay listings ever...

Quote: "This needle is specific to the old Victrola that has circle arm."

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cameo-Needle-fo ... 9065&rt=nc

You're not kidding What is this and does it have anything to do with phonographs

Pictures for posterity:

It's simply a cameo designed to be attached to clothing in the conventional manner (the little "clamp" that slides onto the pin is missing).

I'm no longer surprised how often people, when faced with something unknown, just make up a story. We need this seller to help us out with some phonograph research. (I'm interested in learning all about that Victrola "circle arm." )

George P.

Gents,
I have contacted the seller and this is her reply.
She seems entirely genuine, but I agree that this is a cameo, but a cameo brooch sans back fitting.


"Hello,
I do not have the player this went on. My grandfather explained " that if you look at the back side you will see it has a grooved circle all the way around and that this would sit over the arm that had a round ring at the end"/ This Cameo Needle would rest on to that ring. I do not have a maker of this instrument. We have had numerous Victrola's over the years and the needle size is correct. But in my life time we have not had one that would use this lovely piece.
I have a parlor organ that takes piano scrolls that are much shorter then a player piano. A woman once told me that the short scrolls were for a small player piano but there was a lap style parlor organ made.. I have one. I am not trying to dispute your knowledge in any way. But there where some different things made some just did not become popular enough for the success of there line. If you think it is something else please share. I am open minded and love a good mystery.
Best Regards."

Regards,
Alistair.

After reading the seller's answer, I am now more baffled than ever...

My grandfather explained " that if you look at the back side you will see it has a grooved circle all the way around and that this would sit over the arm that had a round ring at the end"

It only makes sense if the seller's grandfather told him/her that while visiting him in the Alzheimer's ward...

Curt,
You misunderstand the reply!.
I am a member of this forum, not the seller!!
It is me who contacted the seller to resolve the confusion.
Regards,
Alistair.

Just a guess, but maybe she thinks it fits in the center of a lumierre (sp?) type phonograph? If you fasten it to an arm point down and attach it somehow to a paper cone it sort of resembles something like that. Combine that with its similarity to the silvertone logo and throw in some time and perhaps. . .

Curt,
You misunderstand the reply!.
I am a member of this forum, not the seller!!
It is me who contacted the seller to resolve the confusion.
Regards,
Alistair.

Alistair,
Sorry about the mixup... I corrected the post.

Thanks Curt,

I have re-contacted the seller and told them what it is.
It is strange that people's imagination can run riot over items, especially when they state that they have owned Victrolas in the past.

Regards,
Alistair.