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What is this ?
Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2026 1:15 pm
by poodling around
I think I am beginning to see coin-op gramophones in my sleep these days ............. what is this slot for I wonder (bottom left) ?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/326992140116 ... R8iJhueHZw
Re: What is this ?
Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2026 5:30 pm
by jamiegramo
I don’t think the slot is a coin slot. But I’m not sure what it’s for? The machine is too early for a Tungsten needle slot unless added later. Interesting it has no needle dishes, at least not visible. I wondered what the purpose of the adjustable screw is that is at the back of the tonearm.
This looks like a nice quality machine in the Sheraton style with a bow front and real wood inlay rather than transfer decoration. Pity the front is faded.
Another Perfectophone is discussed here:
viewtopic.php?t=55396
And the interesting Radiaphone soundbox is discussed here:
viewtopic.php?t=43066
Re: What is this ?
Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2026 6:22 pm
by Inigo
I suspect the set screws in the tonearm and back elbow are for fitting a counterweight spring or something alike.
Re: What is this ?
Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2026 4:22 am
by CarlosV
Inigo wrote: Sun Feb 08, 2026 6:22 pm
I suspect the set screws in the tonearm and back elbow are for fitting a counterweight spring or something alike.
You are correct, Iñigo, I have a similar machine and tonearm with an adjustable counterweight spring that is missing on the one in the photo.
Re: What is this ?
Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2026 4:33 am
by Steve
Obviously very good quality and certainly one for my "virtual" cabinet gramophone museum.
Re: What is this ?
Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2026 4:34 am
by poodling around
Inigo wrote: Sun Feb 08, 2026 6:22 pm
I suspect the set screws in the tonearm and back elbow are for fitting a counterweight spring or something alike.
I think you are correct Inigo.
Very interesting indeed.
Re: What is this ?
Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2026 4:36 am
by poodling around
jamiegramo wrote: Sun Feb 08, 2026 5:30 pm
I don’t think the slot is a coin slot. But I’m not sure what it’s for? The machine is too early for a Tungsten needle slot unless added later. Interesting it has no needle dishes, at least not visible. I wondered what the purpose of the adjustable screw is that is at the back of the tonearm.
This looks like a nice quality machine in the Sheraton style with a bow front and real wood inlay rather than transfer decoration. Pity the front is faded.
Another Perfectophone is discussed here:
viewtopic.php?t=55396
And the interesting Radiaphone soundbox is discussed here:
viewtopic.php?t=43066
Very interesting - thank's for the 'links' too.
Re: What is this ?
Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2026 7:31 am
by jamiegramo
An internet search shows a picture of an Aeolian Co. “Perfectophone” with the Perfectophone plaque mounted at the front of the motor board. Was there a connection between the two companies? Perhaps Aeolian bought the Perfectophone company or the plaque has been added by a seller wishing to make the machine more interesting.
Many thanks to Inigo and Carlos for confirming the counterweight theory. The badly patched up tonearm from the Aeolian shows something of a similar counterweight.