The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I picked up this little metal portable phonograph called The Lark from a friend earlier this month and I am curious about it. The upper & lower halves of the case are pressed steel and appear to be the same pressing. Motor is single spring, speed regulator is on the outside, next to the winding crank. The spindle is threaded 10-32 threads for a record hold-down, but I am missing the hold-down.
Does anybody have any info to share about when it was made and who made this little machine?

Looks like an interesting little machine. I can't help with your questions but I'd love to see a profile photo of it closed. Thanks, Jerry

I can tell you who made it- this is from the Carola Co. of Cleveland Ohio- makers of the Carola phonograph (ca 1916) described as "The Nightingale of Phonographs". The "Lark" is made from two of the stamped metal lids used in the Carola.http://www.phonophan.com/page4.html https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid= ... 9479&hl=en

Thank you for the link to the ad. Very cool!

I will get it out and get a few more photos this weekend.

I look forward to seeing more pictures of this interesting little machine, and meanwhile here is another period Carola advertisement :

Another neat ad! Thanks! I guess Carola specialized in making metal phonographs?
As I promised, here are a few more pictures of this little machine.

Closed up:



Open:


Controls and reproducer: