The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I am no expert on Pathé machines, but someone here can probably identify the model.
It has condition issues including broken tonearm and warped lid, but a temptingly low pre-sale estimate.

https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auct ... 5d00aa20bb

I saw that but the chances of getting that very early arm successfully replaced or repaired might be slim. The correct soundbox is near impossible to find too. It is obviously early and influenced by the Gramophone Company's "Gramophone Grand".

I collect Pathé machines but mainly the French market models which weren't available in the UK as far as I'm aware.

I'd prefer it as a pedestal for something else. The top section looks awkward compared to the rest of the styling. I have no idea what model it is though.

Steve wrote: Tue Jan 07, 2025 2:04 pm

I'd prefer it as a pedestal for something else.

This is the thought that came to mind when I saw the photo: it would make a nice pedestal. No idea of the model neither, I am only familiar with the French models. Actually I was not aware that there were indigenous English Pathé designs, the ones I saw like the Elf are identical to French ones, apart from decals and soundbox labels.

CarlosV wrote: Tue Jan 07, 2025 2:32 pm

Steve wrote: Tue Jan 07, 2025 2:04 pm

I'd prefer it as a pedestal for something else.

This is the thought that came to mind when I saw the photo: it would make a nice pedestal. No idea of the model neither, I am only familiar with the French models. Actually I was not aware that there were indigenous English Pathé designs, the ones I saw like the Elf are identical to French ones, apart from decals and soundbox labels.

There were models specifically made for the British market with names like "The Oxford" etc to make them appear familiar to British buyers. I have a 1914 Pathéphone instrument catalogue from the UK and I don't recognise anything apart from The Elf as being a model also available on the continent.

With that said, the British models rarely ever turn up for sale anywhere so I'm not sure how many gramophones Pathé sold in Britain in the early years. This model, simply referred to as "The Pathéphone" might even conceivably be the first Pathé model gramophone sold here, borrowing again from the simplicity of the Gramophone Company approach.

Thanks for the clarification, Steve. Pathé is consistently underdocumented, be it in France, the UK or anywhere they had a product line. Every now and then surprises such as this cabinet show up, and nobody comes up to identify it. There are some very ornate Russian Pathé external horn models, decorated like Fabergé eggs, that are also very rare and quite unlike any model made in France.

Pathé is a complete mystery to me... Of course there are some models that were very popular and found today many examples of them, but from time to time the rare item appears! Always surprising.
Same things happen with Odeon discs and machines... One never knows what is going to find next ..

CarlosV wrote: Tue Jan 07, 2025 4:38 pm Thanks for the clarification, Steve. Pathé is consistently underdocumented, be it in France, the UK or anywhere they had a product line. Every now and then surprises such as this cabinet show up, and nobody comes up to identify it. There are some very ornate Russian Pathé external horn models, decorated like Fabergé eggs, that are also very rare and quite unlike any model made in France.

Now, that is something I would dearly love to see!

CarlosV wrote: Tue Jan 07, 2025 2:32 pm

Steve wrote: Tue Jan 07, 2025 2:04 pm

I'd prefer it as a pedestal for something else.

This is the thought that came to mind when I saw the photo: it would make a nice pedestal.

If it did not involve a round trip of over 400 miles I would probably bid for it and do as you both suggest.

Sold for a scandalous £25! I thought it was very interesting. However transport costs are a killer!

What a steal..