The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Any thoughts on this machine from Southgate Auctions. A rather sparce description and 1 photo for their 30%+ service charge! Looks like a reproduction to me.

https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auct ... lotDetails

Yes, the most authentic bit about it is the dog.

I have the same "repro kit" version made up into a full working "Trademark" model. In my case the wooden cabinet was made by Jerry Edwards in Essex, from whom I also bought it 25 years ago.

The thing is, depending on what you want it for, they're actually very good copies. If it's for display only, they do the trick. About 15 years ago I had my example on a stand for sale. I preferred to let people decide what it was before I revealed the truth to them. One well known collector studied it for a good ten minutes before concluding "I think the horn's repro". After that, I decided to hang on to it!

Sold for £1000 hammer price.

Crikey, I've changed my mind. Mine's for sale!

I think it is wasted money £1000 + 30% could be put to better use waiting for an original machine. Buyer bought it under the belief that it was real. I would recommend returning it to the auction house as it is not an "EARLY GRAMOPHONE " as described by the Auctioneer, but a very late one.