The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello again, and apologies for even more waiting on the record repros, as I am on vacation out of the country. On subject now, while I was at a small museum, I came across this machine, which was gifted to a British immigrant who lived on the island. One oddity was that the machine had been fitted with an Exhibition. Now, this is an island on which everything must be imported, so the reproducer must have been changed in favor of Victor's reproducer before it was exported. I was told it hadn't worked in many years, and upon inspection, most parts had rusted up, and the spring unwound without notice. If I had my tools with me, that machine would've been billowing an HMV electric record. After all, I was on vacation and without repair equipment. Interesting story nonetheless.

It looks like a typical machine that probably provided people with entertainment several years ago. Thanks for sharing the photo and story.

It is interesting to encounter machines like this one when on a trip, but yes, with tools, it might have been revived.

The George P. Bent decal is interesting.

Like so many manufacturers, Bent started out in the late 19th century selling reed organs under the "Crown" label. As organ sales declined, they diversified into piano sales, and finally into phonographs.

Bill

What island?

Curt A wrote:What island?

It is Little Cayman Island, a sister island of the well known tourist destination Grand Cayman Island.