The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Have at it, fellas...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/252022265683

Nice paint job.....

This one's really something. I'm cynical enough that my first thoughts were India? China? has someone actually tooled up to produce what looks like a very high quality reproduction? -- but really, I suppose it may have sat in a box in a cabinet, unused for ninety years. Its condition is astonishing, as is the price -- but who knows, it may even fetch that because of its unusual condition? Maybe.

(That may well be original paint, no? I guess I've seen examples where the paint filled in the stamped lettering a little.)

I think my 1926 Credenza may have originally had a brass Ortho reproducer.edisonplayer

Cody K wrote:This one's really something. I'm cynical enough that my first thoughts were India? China? has someone actually tooled up to produce what looks like a very high quality reproduction?

I bought some years ago a gold-plated brass orthophonic made by Walt Sommers, and from what I remember of his description he made new front and back plates, installed new bearings, gaskets, and reused needle holders and the rest. It is a high-quality product, great looks and great sound, but I don't know if Walt made or is making more of them. I remember it was not cheap but it did not come close to the price asked for this one.

He's fishing. He might get half that, but I can't see it going for $1K. It is definitely an original brass one. The back has been repainted. You can tell by looking at the finish on the lockring which is original. According to the seller it was restored by Shenandoah Restoration, which IIRC is Walt Sommers, so you can expect it to be properly done.

Jim

For $1,000, I would not want the chemical darkening buffed off the bearing covers and needle chuck, as has been done here...

CarlosV wrote:

Cody K wrote:This one's really something. I'm cynical enough that my first thoughts were India? China? has someone actually tooled up to produce what looks like a very high quality reproduction?

I bought some years ago a gold-plated brass orthophonic made by Walt Sommers, and from what I remember of his description he made new front and back plates, installed new bearings, gaskets, and reused needle holders and the rest. It is a high-quality product, great looks and great sound, but I don't know if Walt made or is making more of them. I remember it was not cheap but it did not come close to the price asked for this one.

Shenandoah will take your cracked and bedraggled Ortho sound box and give you a brand new one, save for the needle bar and bearing covers taken from your old one, in either nickel or gold. I bought a gold one about a year ago and an very pleased with it. Not cheap, but MUCH less than $1,000. I am thinking this is what the example here might be.

Clay

phonojim wrote:He's fishing. He might get half that, but I can't see it going for $1K. It is definitely an original brass one. The back has been repainted. You can tell by looking at the finish on the lockring which is original. According to the seller it was restored by Shenandoah Restoration, which IIRC is Walt Sommers, so you can expect it to be properly done.

Jim

I thought Sommers was "Gettysburg Antique Phonograph".

Several years ago Ron Sitko had a reproduction orthophonic reproducer kit that was a modern copy of a pot metal reproducer. I have one. Did these others folks make their own version of the orthophonic? I'd be interested in seeing one for comparison to the one I built.

You're correct - thanks for bringing that to my attention. My apologies to Walt.

Jim