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I just discovered a Pathé phonograph which is offered for sale only a short drive from where i live for $380.
It's a Pathé Model XVII. And I wonder if anyone has any more information on it. It looks like the doors are missing and there is something missing on the reproducer? I'm not an expert on Pathé machines.
Does have a sapphire needle or steel needle?
Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Paal.

It's just my opinion and nothing more but I would pass on it for that price. I think you can get better bang for your buck somewhere else. Of course I may be the wrong guy to comment because a Pathé doesn't do much for me. Jerry Blais

Here's a site with a few photos of the Pathé XVII --

http://www.lisaandmike.com/PhonographPatheXVII.htm

The main thing missing, from what I can tell, is the grille--and of course the turntable covering. The reproducer in the model you have photographed seems to be there, but is turned downward, perhaps in its "rest" position?

The other main difference I see is that the components used in Lisa and Mike's phonograph are gold plated.

Jerry B. wrote:It's just my opinion and nothing more but I would pass on it for that price. I think you can get better bang for your buck somewhere else. Of course I may be the wrong guy to comment because a Pathé doesn't do much for me. Jerry Blais

The price is actually reasonable here in Norway because there are not so many machines here. Only HMV portables

Ortho_Fan wrote:Here's a site with a few photos of the Pathé XVII --

http://www.lisaandmike.com/PhonographPatheXVII.htm

The main thing missing, from what I can tell, is the grille--and of course the turntable covering. The reproducer in the model you have photographed seems to be there, but is turned downward, perhaps in its "rest" position?

The other main difference I see is that the components used in Lisa and Mike's phonograph are gold plated.

Thanks for the photos of a machine in better condition! I don't think I would buy it since it will not play 78s...


Paal.

if you like Pathé machines (or just want one), and if they're not that common where you are in norway, and if this one is as complete as it seems, then I'd definitely make an offer on it... I don't know how negotiable dealers are in your area, but it's always worth a try. that price doesn't seem terribly high.

is it working? from the looks of it, all it needs is turntable felt and a grill (there were never any doors in front of that horn). Pathé machines with this sort of swiveling soundbox could play both the vertical cut Pathé records (with a saphire tipped needle - try ebay or dealers have reproductions, shouldn't cost more than $40 or $50 US) and edison diamond discs (with a diamond tipped needle - occasionally these show up) as well the standard lateral cut 78 with the basic disposable needle. for vertical, the soundbox will face outward toward the front of the machine, for lateral, it should be turned the right to face the side of the machine. in that respect, these are pretty versatile players.

also, the model XVII was one of the more ornate Pathé uprights, with those curving queen ann legs, and that decorative carving on the edges and legs... they're a bit less common than the more standard uprights (I have two of those, one oak, one walnut, and they've both got the standard straight leg no frills cabinet - both were in excellent shape and complete when I bought them, and for each I paid more than the asking price for the one you've posted).

in any event, all I'm saying is that if you're interested in the machine, the price doesn't seem outrageous in any respect, so you might want to overlook advice from the overly cheap and thrifty and just treat yourself.

Even if this machine is scarce in Norway it isn't a particularly good one- here in the US it would be hard to sell at even $100. I don't know about the general availability of antique machines in Norway but I'd suppose you would have a good chance of finding a UK or European machine there.

If you DO want to get it, the machine will play 78's, if it is in proper order. The reproducer can be turned into two positions suitable for lateral or vertical cut records. To play Pathé or Edison discs you would need the proper jewel pointed stylus.

estott wrote:Even if this machine is scarce in Norway it isn't a particularly good one- here in the US it would be hard to sell at even $100. I don't know about the general availability of antique machines in Norway but I'd suppose you would have a good chance of finding a UK or European machine there.

I'm sorry, but with all due respect, I cannot disagree enough with that totally unqualified comment (unqualified, as in without any basis or support).

Well, you're the expert.

estott wrote:Well, you're the expert.

seriously?

I never claimed to be an expert in anything here, was rather just offering my suggestions on a brand of machine that I've come across several times, and which I own a few models of. and based on what I've encountered, I simply couldn't comprehend the basis (because you didn't provide any) for your statements that this Pathé wasn't a "particularly good" machine and would be "hard to sell at even $100." while that might be true for a bland off-brand, especially if incomplete, and barring the anomalies that might show up for next to nothing on craigslist and ebay (as this happens even with victor machines - and all such phonos are far more plentiful in the US any way), Pathés had extremely good motors, didn't typically use pot metal components, and are quite versatile in terms of the variety of discs they can play.

like anything though, I guess anything is worth only as much as a person's willing to pay. sure, you might be able to find another one of this model Pathé for less than 360, but what are the chances, particularly outside of the US? and I'm sure this very machine could be had for less by bargaining with the seller. even still, I just don't see that price as so far-fetched.

Thanks for the info everyone!

Paal.