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Shown below are two scans of a postcard (150 dpi for the whole card, 1200 dpi for the close-up) I've had for several years picturing a highly carved, unidentified, table-top, internal horn phonograph. The machine, which I imagine is unique, must have been special to its owner/creator in order to have sat unaccompanied for a formal studio portrait. The back of this postcard is blank.

The side panels of the (oak ?) cabinet, with a large oval opening at the center of each of its four sides, are highly carved. Both visible side panels have through/pierced carvings of flowers, leaves , grass and other plants. In the left side panel cranes/herons and quail-like birds are depicted. Oxen, a peacock-like fowl on a branch, and two horses and one rider are pictured in the right side panel. Through the left oval cutout, a curved object (perhaps part of the motor or internal horn) is visible inside the cabinet. This is also just barely detectable through the right oval as well. I would love to see the other two side panels!

Above the relatively unremarkable motor board, at the rear corner, is what looks to be a Victor tonearm support, tonearm and Exhibition reproducer. Note the collar on the narrow end of the tonearm. A top-wind motor crank with a stepped shaft penetrates the right-hand corner of the motor board through an escutcheon. Light colored discs (?) appear on the motor board above each plain, unadorned corner column (hiding screws?). A speed control shaft (not quite perpendicular to the motor board) with knob appear at left in front of something else (?) on top of the motor board. I assume the turntable is either 10" with an 8" record shown, or 12" with a 10" record pictured. The cabinet's base molding is very plain.

That's about all I can say concerning this unusual machine. I wish I knew more about its origin and could see it in the flesh. Please post any comments or thoughts regarding this puzzling phonograph.

Thanks for your input,
Bob

Looks like it was either made by or for the Asian market. Any marks on the postcard itself?

"... either made by or for the Asian market." So you're thinking early crapophone?

To answer your question: No, the only things on the back of the post card are "POST CARD" (at top center), a vertical line (down the center of the card), "PLACE POSTAGE STAMP HERE" and a manufacturer's logo (both at top right corner). The card has not been written on or used.

It's a wonderful case. I wonder what it looks like from other angles.
The horn and motor must take away from the artistic intent.

James.

Roaring20s wrote:It's a wonderful case. I wonder what it looks like from other angles.
The horn and motor must take away from the artistic intent.

James.

The glass may be mirror and therefore reflecting images around the machine...

Also, from the top picture, it looks like "caps" above each column suggesting "pillar and post" construction of the case with rods or long bolts running through the columns.

The glass panels are indeed mirrors, as they are reflecting the decoration on the wall of the room.

The pillars would need to be reinforced, as the carved side panels would offer little or no structural support.

Come on! The ovals on the back are clearly visible in perspective through those on the front. There are aboslutely no mirrors. Also, the "room" is obviously a painted sheet used as background.

The oval carving is indeed open - you can see the flat back side of the two carved panels on the opposite side. There is also something just peeking out inside to the left. I don't think it is a part of the motor. It might actually be a horn that was also fashioned from wood with a rim similar to the ovals. The tone arm is mounted in one corner quadrant of the cabinet which allows for a square case. The "room" is probably a photographers studio because that is a painted canvas back drop for shooting full portraits.

Marco Gilardetti wrote:Come on! The ovals on the back are clearly visible in perspective through those on the front. There are aboslutely no mirrors. Also, the "room" is obviously a painted sheet used as background.

Marco, you may be right about the glass - or lack of it... but sadly, this machine is not available for inspection. You are definitely right about the background...

Also, why isn't the front hole the horn? Where is it - does sound just scatter out through the sides?

Someone in India should reproduce this machine...

I have adjusted the contrast for a crisper looking image. I agree that the ovals are open, without obstruction.
The back of the oval has no indication of any glass fitted into it.

From what can be seen of the horn, I think it pushes the sound towards to the corner closest to us in the photo. The two sides that we see are the direction of its projection. I bet its opening is pretty well in the center of the case. The view that we see is also its intended angle of use.

James.