The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I just found this crazy beast of a portable, and thought I'd share it with you.

It's an American Pathé portable. Huge and heavy, with three external leather handles (implying you might need help to carry it), it's a bit reminiscent of the clunky Edison Army & Navy model for field use of the WWI military. But this one's case is less robust and much more luggage-like, and as a US made model is unlikely made for military use.

Does anyone have any US Pathé catalog materials which might help date this machine?

It's an early '20s model designed to be strapped or bolted to the rear bumper of your Ford roadster... Think of it as an early tailgating accessory.

How does the bolting take place? Or are you being figurative?

You know I was joking, right???

Now I do.