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Help please identifying this machine
Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2025 5:42 pm
by pumpkin
Can anyone please help me identify this phonograph I have acquired.
The silver head had "recorder" stamped on it , not clear in photo . I have not yet succeeded to play a "normal" cylinder so am open to advice.
Re: Help please identifying this machine
Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2025 6:59 pm
by Sidewinder
It is made by Paillard (swiss company)
You cannot play a cylinder with a "recorder" soundbox. A recorder has a cutting stylus and will ruin a cylinder. However you do have the black "Le Cahit" reproducer which is very good for playing cylinders with. It plays "normal" cylinders on the smaller mandrel & Concert cylinders with the mandrel you show in the photo.
The fork looking device is for 4 people to listen to a cylinder via ear phones.
Are you located in the UK?
Re: Help please identifying this machine
Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2025 5:56 am
by pumpkin
Thank you for your help in identifying the machine . What was confusing me was the banner scroll "Theatrophone" which was a popular streaming device of the day and bringing up not very helpful search results. It seems complete and will benefit from a little oil to stop the rumbles and I am still open to advice about how to operate.
I assume it will play 2 minute cylinders , I have a couple of moldy ones before good ones are tried.
Yes I am in the UK, South London/ Surrey area.
Cheers,