The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have never seen anything quite like this before. It has glass sides to show the inner works. I was told by the owner that it was used to demonstrate how a phonograph worked. He said he inherited it after a friend of his passed away. It was originally on display in his Father's phonograph store.









There are no identifying marks anywhere. Has anyone seen anything like this? I would love to find out more.

It almost has the stature and quality of a Star machine.

I was talking with another member of the board about it. He thinks it looks to be European. Any other guesses?

Is the lid metal and un-hinged?

Yup! Why do you ask, John? : )

Just looks that way in the photo. Never saw such a beast. I would agree it is likely European. Mexican? South American? Was there such a thing?

You have a good eye, John. You know, now that I think about it, wasn't there a phonograph called a Kurtzmann that had glass sides and a glass turntable? Hmm...

Yep, the Kurtzmann was made by the Kurtzmann Piano Company of Buffalo, New York. I have an original sales brochure that shows several different models from the ultra-modern 'Studio' up through a number of increasingly elaborate period/'art' models. The 'Studio' has plate glass sides and back, and a plate glass top deck and turntable. All the other models have only the plate glass top deck and turntable. The example you show also has glass sides, but obviously is not a Kurtzmann (or a Zonophone!)