The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello,

I just recently picked up a 10-35 in rough shape and hope to transplant it into a new cabinet. However, that got me thinking, does the newly assembled machine take the serial number of the complete machine or the empty cabinet? Do we consider it a "cabinet replacement" and keep the original serial or is it considered restoring the empty cabinet at the expense of the other?

I figure there is no right answer, but just for fun I was interested to hear how others approach this philosophical question.

Greg

Why not keep both one for cabinet and one for the rest.
Dan

Phonograph Philosophy Personally I would keep the one on the case/cabinet as the original one. With the other SN, I would put in a small ziplock bag with a note/date and tap to the bottom of the motor board for a future owner.

My two cents... .

The tag should match the works in my opinion, since running changes/ improvements were often made to machines during their production run an a serial number matching the mechanical works will reflect that.

Good points all around!

I think it is also a good idea to include some information about what you as the restorer have done to a machine on a piece of paper or something to place into the cabinet. That kind of information would be totally invaluable to the next owners down the line. Especially when lots of work is done to a phonograph.

I'd take the best looking tag. Especially if one is corroded or rough.