The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have had this AK since the early90's and have always wondered about the decorative top piece it has. I never see an AK with the wood piece on them like mine. It doesn't look home made, and it fits like a glove. What do you think? Is this a common thing, was it an accessory? Any answers would be most appreciated.
Dave

Dave,

My guess is that it is home made, but made when the AK was new, or nearly so, when lots more folks had the skills to make such things really well. I really like it, even more so because it does nothing to change or alter the original machine.

I agree with Jerry... someone didn't like the black enameled bedplate and decided to cover it with something that looked better. If it was factory made the upper molding would have probably matched the lower molding instead of using egg and dart. I think the original owner wanted to replicate the look of a more expensive outside horn machine...

Both previous posts make sense to me. If craftsman or professionally built it's a great accessory item to make the little AK appear more current to the original owners. It makes the machine more interesting.

Jerry B.