The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Does anyone know why some of these soundboxes had a 'smooth' finish and some had a 'decorative, engraved pattern' around the front ?

I suspect that the smooth versions were earlier ?

Also, did all of these soundboxes have their own unique production number stamped on the back plate ? Or just the early ones ?

Thanks for any information about this.

'Patterned' soundbox reference:

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/ ... x-83553371

No, but I think these were made by Thorens. Or if not, good copies. I have a couple of Extra Sonore ones which are the same as this with a mica diaphragm.

The small spring piece of metal that holds the needle bar in place is extremely fragile. So much so I snapped one and had to make another

This recent acquisition has a serial number :

epigramophone wrote: Mon Jul 12, 2021 4:09 am This recent acquisition has a serial number :

Very interesting epigramophone.

So maybe serial numbers were 'the norm'.

leels1 wrote: Mon Jul 12, 2021 3:47 am No, but I think these were made by Thorens. Or if not, good copies. I have a couple of Extra Sonore ones which are the same as this with a mica diaphragm.

The small spring piece of metal that holds the needle bar in place is extremely fragile. So much so I snapped one and had to make another

I see.

Thank you leels1

Mine is the same as the first one pictured in this thread, with the patterned front, and "Swiss made" printed above the stars behind the mica.
The spring metal plate on mine however is painted black and not plated, and mine has no serial number stamped on the back.

I noticed on epigramophone's example above and the other smooth fronted example, they appear to have some sort of metal retaining ring in front of the mica, and neither says "Swiss made" above the stars.
I wonder which design came first?

While on the subject of Dulcephone soundboxes, anyone know anything about this one ? it is a "Dulcephone Master" and seems quite early . It has a pin on the back which usually suggests a travelling arm machine ? Did they make one ? the serial number is BS0170

The soundbox on my brass horned Dulcephone is the smooth type with no serial number if it helps with the dating ....

Gramtastic wrote: Mon Jul 12, 2021 6:03 am While on the subject of Dulcephone soundboxes, anyone know anything about this one ? it is a "Dulcephone Master" and seems quite early . It has a pin on the back which usually suggests a travelling arm machine ? Did they make one ? the serial number is BS0170

The "London Made" wording on this soundbox is significant. The design is based on the Nicole Precision Master with it's distinctive spring leaf suspension, and was made by the Precision Engineering Company of 5 Clerkenwell Green, London. The spring leaf suspension design also inspired the Orchorsol soundbox.

Nicole Frères did not survive to see these later developments. The company folded in 1906.

Thanks for the information. Any idea what sort of age this soundbox is ? Would it have been on a travelling arm machine, or if not, what was the pin for ?