The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello all!

I've been trying to find some dimensional info and details for a Miraphone that uses a rear mount Columbia tone arm/horn assembly. The info I need is to be used to modify/re-machine an original Columbia turntable to have the correct style support boss underneath. The only thing I do know is that they are NOT the same as the style you typically see on short bed plate Reginaphones. It's the drive shaft from the motor details I need and the clearance height the turntable's boss needs to be, in order to clear the musical movement when mounted. Any and all information would be greatly appreciated as well as any photos. Unfortunately I do not have the actual machine in my restoration shop so I am not familiar with the style or which model the Miraphone actually is. I have had no luck yet finding anyone who may possess a working and complete machine. Sadly, David Bower's Encyclopedia only shows a front mount Miraphone example.

Cheers,

Darren

Have you tried this source?

http://www.miraphone.de/en/

Thanks!! LOL!!

Miraphone did not use Columbia products on their machines, though they used 3 or 4 different back mounted horn support styles. They also made many different styles and sizes of machine.

A photo of the machine you are describing would be a first step - as you may be describing a music box?

Thanks for your help.

This is one of those times where I'm reverse engineering parts sent to me and unfortunately not sent enough info.
I do not have the machine itself but photos are on their way eventually....

This can be challenging to say the least. I believe the machine is an 18" disc playing Miraphone, made by Mermod Frères who also made cylinder boxes and the Stella disc players. The case bracket is unusual and unique. It was cast using an original to copy and I have to machine it which is not problem as I have my own machine shop. The rest of the original horn tonearm assembly which I have, resembles those used by Regina for their combination machines.

I thought the only music box combination machines that did not seek out Columbia for their parts were the Polyphon combination machines.

Unfortunately there's not a lot of info out there.

Mermod Frères made a disc music box called Mira which I think is what you mean. There were 2 kind of adaptors - for an external horn, but some Mira's also had an internal horn. Is the bracket was a very truncated thing - similar to pic of regina arm which was kind of same architecture as columbia.?

Yes, you are correct,that's what I meant
Thanks for posting the photo. The arm assembly I have is very similar. I'll try to post photos as soon as I can.
Cheers,
Darren

Hello Darren. More accustomed to seeing you on that "other" forum, the Model T one.

Best,

Jerry Van

Hey Jerry!
It's very interesting to see how many folks involved in the antique phonograph and music box hobbies are also involved with antique cars. It must be something to do with toys that wind up!

Here are 4 photos of the actual Miraphone combination musical box/phonograph I'm working on.