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What is it???? Real or Frankenphone?
Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2026 12:30 am
by Homestead
Saw this up for auction, and since I am not really familiar with the European gramophones thought I would bring this one up to the group. I think it's a fake but the cabinet sure is interesting and the beveled glass adds a sense of authenticity. Horn is eliptically shaped so really dont know what to do about that. Here is a pic of the beast!!! James Manker
Re: What is it???? Real or Frankenphone?
Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2026 1:27 am
by Inigo
Seems to look like a Phrynis machine, although the colour of the image makes me think this is an AI created image... Phrynis We're typically luxury gramophones using this asymmetric shape of horns.
Re: What is it???? Real or Frankenphone?
Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2026 2:44 am
by jamiegramo
Inigo is correct about the Phrynis horn. The striking Art Nouveau base appears well made but the turntable suggests this has been remotored as the turntable and motor plate would not be correct for this machine. Neither is the soundbox.
Re: What is it???? Real or Frankenphone?
Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2026 4:29 am
by CarlosV
As Iñigo and Jamie already identified, the horn is Phrynis, quite rare, but the body of the machine is not. Phrynis machines carry a characteristic decal with the US flag, have a unique back bracket and arm design and their speed control is on the side. I think the very nice body is also genuine, I have seen one before but don't remember the brand. I agree with Jamie that this is a Frankenphone, although a very nice one, and worth buying for its horn and body.
Re: What is it???? Real or Frankenphone?
Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2026 4:15 pm
by Sidewinder
Has anyone mentioned that it has a later columbia mechanism? Also horn support and tone arm are not Phrynis.
Re: What is it???? Real or Frankenphone?
Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2026 4:41 pm
by Curt A
James,
Where is/was the auction? Is there a link?
Inigo - what about the color makes you think that this is an AI generated image?
Re: What is it???? Real or Frankenphone?
Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2026 6:19 pm
by Inigo
It seems too perfect... Nothing ugly or damaged... Looks suspicious to me, and the arty Nouveau case could be an AI invention
Re: What is it???? Real or Frankenphone?
Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2026 5:42 am
by CarlosV
Inigo wrote: Sun Feb 01, 2026 6:19 pm
It seems too perfect... Nothing ugly or damaged... Looks suspicious to me, and the arty Nouveau case could be an AI invention
Içnigo, I presume that if they are selling the machine in an auction, at least it exists, unless it is an internet-only bid scheme, which then could be a scam. As I mentioned above, I saw that case in another machine, but as it was a photo, I don't exclude a falsification. The odd thing about the horn is the faux-wood finish: the Phrynis horns I've seen, including the one I own, are all painted in bright colors. But I agree that it looks in too god shape to be real - at least some photoshopping was applied.
Re: What is it???? Real or Frankenphone?
Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2026 5:58 am
by Steve
CarlosV wrote: Mon Feb 02, 2026 5:42 am
Inigo wrote: Sun Feb 01, 2026 6:19 pm
It seems too perfect... Nothing ugly or damaged... Looks suspicious to me, and the arty Nouveau case could be an AI invention
Içnigo, I presume that if they are selling the machine in an auction, at least it exists, unless it is an internet-only bid scheme, which then could be a scam. As I mentioned above, I saw that case in another machine, but as it was a photo, I don't exclude a falsification. The odd thing about the horn is the faux-wood finish: the Phrynis horns I've seen, including the one I own, are all painted in bright colors. But I agree that it looks in too god shape to be real - at least some photoshopping was applied.
You are quite right, Carlos, I have an original Phrynis and know that their horns were not only painted in bright colours but the paint was always heavily textured with the use of comb painting to provide the ribbed patterning.
Re: What is it???? Real or Frankenphone?
Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2026 5:58 am
by Steve
CarlosV wrote: Mon Feb 02, 2026 5:42 am
Inigo wrote: Sun Feb 01, 2026 6:19 pm
It seems too perfect... Nothing ugly or damaged... Looks suspicious to me, and the arty Nouveau case could be an AI invention
Içnigo, I presume that if they are selling the machine in an auction, at least it exists, unless it is an internet-only bid scheme, which then could be a scam. As I mentioned above, I saw that case in another machine, but as it was a photo, I don't exclude a falsification. The odd thing about the horn is the faux-wood finish: the Phrynis horns I've seen, including the one I own, are all painted in bright colors. But I agree that it looks in too god shape to be real - at least some photoshopping was applied.
You are quite right, Carlos, I have an original Phrynis and know that their horns were not only painted in bright colours but the paint was always heavily textured with the use of comb painting to provide the ribbed patterning.
The machine pictured utilises a Phrynis horn (to great effect) which has been refinished with a wood-grained effect. The cabinet, if real, has been refinished too to compliment it. It is however definitely a Frankenphone.