The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Upon a basement cleanout after a water line broke, I found, under a sheet, an amazing old phonograph. It is functional, and has very little wear and tear on it, except for the cone. But, I've tried to research this particular phonograph, and I can't find ANYTHING on it. It literally has no model number. The tag says "Actuelle Classique". I'm hoping someone on here can fill me in on what I have here. And no, it didn't get touched by any water.

What you found is a nice art model made by the USA branch of Pathé. Looks in good shape and it is a collectible item, there are not many of them around. Besides the Classic model you have, I've seen a Gothic model as well.

Not a lot more info that can be given that you haven’t already received on the various Facebook pages that you’ve enquired upon.

JohnM wrote: Tue Oct 22, 2024 6:59 am Not a lot more info that can be given that you haven’t already received on the various Facebook pages that you’ve enquired upon.

That's odd, since I only asked in one group, and all they could tell me is it is that they think it's a Model S. But, upon trying to expand upon that, I can't find anything out about this thing. I do a search for "Pathé Frères Model S" and I get a whole lotta nothing. And also, all the other Pathé phonographs I've seen pictures of have a model designation on the tag, and this one doesn't. So the ID of "Model S" comes into question for me.

Information about Pathé machines, at least in English, tends to be hard to find. I had a look at the Copeland/Dethlefson book, Pathé Records and Phonographs in America 1914-1922, and I didn't see your particular model, but it does suggest the "Classique" name came into use in 1919 with three period models, none of them yours. That would suggest your machine must date to later, sometime in the early-mid '20s.

It's a nice looking and unusual machine, and congrats on finding it. Welcome to the forum!

Undoubtedly, Classique os the model name, and serial no 1090 could be that this is number 90 of the Classique models made (probably the 1000 it's only the series, as these are scarce models and were expensive.
You have a very good phonograph and I bet it's easily repaired. The cone, named Diffusor, has a tear, but I would try to repair it in first place. Probably it will sound still very good if repaired with care.
The important thing here is to re-establish the stiffness of the whole conical surface, which vibrates on the somewhat flexible rim joint. So any strip of a similar material, adhered over the tear so to restore the surface continuity will work. Use soft glue, in case you need to redo the work it must be easily removable. Also for the sake of the originality, the repair should be visible.

Just for constancy, and for the users who don't use Facebook, I'll bring over the info I shared.

It's a Pathé' Actuelle model "S" from 1920-1921.

"Classique" refers to their over-the-top cabinets made in classical/period styles directed towards wealthier clientele. Pathé' made almost a dozen different "Classique" models in various period styles. To make things easier they didn't identity each model on the tag...

Benjamin_L wrote: Thu Oct 24, 2024 12:43 am Just for constancy, and for the users who don't use Facebook, I'll bring over the info I shared.

It's a Pathé' Actuelle model "S" from 1920-1921.

"Classique" refers to their over-the-top cabinets made in classical/period styles directed towards wealthier clientele. Pathé' made almost a dozen different "Classique" models in various period styles. To make things easier they didn't identity each model on the tag...

Well, that pretty much sums up everything the OP was asking for; there isn't much more anyone else can add really, perhaps other than to point out that the catalogue illustration provided shows a very subtly different cabinet to the one the OP has, presumably as few as they manufactured of these, there was still an opportunity to produce different variants.

Steve wrote: Thu Oct 24, 2024 8:46 am
... the catalogue illustration provided shows a very subtly different cabinet to the one the OP has, presumably as few as they manufactured of these, there was still an opportunity to produce different variants.

There is also the chance that highly retouched images, in catalogs that were likely produced before production began, may not have captured the final design nuances of the finished product.

JerryVan wrote: Thu Oct 24, 2024 11:37 am

Steve wrote: Thu Oct 24, 2024 8:46 am
... the catalogue illustration provided shows a very subtly different cabinet to the one the OP has, presumably as few as they manufactured of these, there was still an opportunity to produce different variants.

There is also the chance that highly retouched images, in catalogs that were likely produced before production began, may not have captured the final design nuances of the finished product.

That is also true!