Identity query…?

[langleycello]

Greetings,

Initially, I bypassed this machine in a junk shop as it appeared to be a modern fake, but on a second glance it seems like it may actually be more Frankenphone than Crapophone - the tone arm has had an extension crudely welded into place but the remaining bracket, horn and case seem to be original. Unfortunately the cabinet has had heavy lacquer applied requiring stripping and refinishing, but it is very solid. There is the remains of an earlier ‘crank hole’ (blocked up) along with the ghost of earlier decals. The platter / soundbox have been changed out more recently with Crapophone parts and a cruddy old Garrard single spring motor was lying in the bottom of the case with a broken spring..

I just wonder if anyone may be able to identify the existing original parts of this ‘Frankenphone’. The horn needs repainting but is in good order with heavy tin, no dents or separation etc.

My thoughts are to perhaps attempt to bring it back to life, making it into a long term restoration project. I will have to seek out a replacement tone arm to fit the old bracket and I will also have to seek out a suitable motor / platter, although the existing garrard motor may be redeemable..?

I wonder if the existing decals offer any help as to it’s origin..?

I’d appreciate any thoughts on the origins of this machine which may serve as points of departure for sourcing some of the missing parts.. my guess is that it may be an old Lindstrom / Parlophon which has had a few lives…

Kind regards,

Stephen

[JerryVan]

I don't know the origin of the parts, but I can assure you that this would not be a good candidate for purchase or restoration.

[langleycello]

I just wonder if anyone has any thoughts about the faded decals? - the clover one and the banner with an arrow through it - I know that the gramophone itself is ‘junk’ but I may try and resurrect some parts to make up a generic Frankenphone for the workshop - the horn is huge and the tin quite heavy and robust…

[Sidewinder]

PRIMAPHONE

a logo from Bombay, now Mumbai, INDIA

prma4.JPG (20.95 KiB) Viewed 11 times

I agree with your summary that it is a crapo/frankenphone. The molasses varnish is typical for the region, as are the mechanics pirated from more modern machines. Primaphones often have thorens motors from suitcase machines - probably the source of the tone arm as well.

The case may once have belonged to an original machine?