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Unusual Pathé or Crapophone ??
Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2025 6:59 am
by phonodesbois
I haven’t seen this gramophone but just got a few pics which, for me, look confusing.
There is a Pathé logo on the upper left inside cover but the resonator looks rather as a Decca one.
The reproducer has been replaced with a piece of cork with a needle inside… (I have been told that the gramophone was working!).
Other than that, the casing is rather original.
Does it ring some bells for you?
Thanks all
Re: Unusual Pathé or Crapophone ??
Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2025 7:59 am
by Steve
It's certainly a Pathé and not a Decca, but it's missing its soundbox, elbow (good luck with finding that part!) and original winder. Nothing strange or odd about it otherwise that I can see. Mind you, the photos are not very good either!
Re: Unusual Pathé or Crapophone ??
Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2025 11:30 am
by Inigo
Might be an original Pathé reassembled (salvaged) into a new case, probably the original case was dead beyond repair...
Re: Unusual Pathé or Crapophone ??
Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2025 1:30 pm
by Steve
Inigo wrote: Thu Apr 03, 2025 11:30 am
Might be an original Pathé reassembled (salvaged) into a new case, probably the original case was dead beyond repair...
Why do you think that? Pathé made a number of superb machines with inlaid veneered hardwood cases, including even a portable. I own one!
Re: Unusual Pathé or Crapophone ??
Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2025 3:03 pm
by CarlosV
Steve wrote: Thu Apr 03, 2025 1:30 pm
Why do you think that? Pathé made a number of superb machines with inlaid veneered hardwood cases, including even a portable. I own one!
I agree, it looks genuine to me. The box painting reminds me of similar machines made for sale in Asia, so my guess is that it comes from that part of the world. The main problem as Steve mentioned would be to find an elbow for it, it certainly is different from those used in the French Pathéphones that have the resonating bowl. I have a couple of machines that are collecting dust for quite some time awaiting for the missing parts.
Re: Unusual Pathé or Crapophone ??
Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2025 4:15 pm
by Steve
CarlosV wrote: Thu Apr 03, 2025 3:03 pm
Steve wrote: Thu Apr 03, 2025 1:30 pm
Why do you think that? Pathé made a number of superb machines with inlaid veneered hardwood cases, including even a portable. I own one!
I agree, it looks genuine to me. The box painting reminds me of similar machines made for sale in Asia, so my guess is that it comes from that part of the world. The main problem as Steve mentioned would be to find an elbow for it, it certainly is different from those used in the French Pathéphones that have the resonating bowl. I have a couple of machines that are collecting dust for quite some time awaiting for the missing parts.
Yes, Carlos, I would agree, the Asian market is a distinct possibility. I haven't spotted a painted case example before, beyond the obvious Chinoiserie or Japanned lacquered cases but I have seen similar machines with highly decorative veneer inlay.
My Pathé portable is from the Olotonal range but is housed in a solid mahogany case with quarter veneering and box stringing. The carrying handle is not dissimilar to this one under discussion, albeit this one is probably 5 - 10 years earlier.
Re: Unusual Pathé or Crapophone ??
Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2025 4:29 pm
by Inigo
Curious... It looked as a non original case to me.
