The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Never saw a portable like this one before - from the 1950's maybe? Looks like plywood and plastic to me, and it is very compact, like a laptop! Home-made?

No idea, but I saw that on eBay and thought it certainly looked inventive!

Sean

This is a portable made for missionaries to take to third world countries to spread their religious beliefs to the natives. There is no motor on this machine. You wind the machine fast and it reaches 78 rpm. The turntable acts as a flywheel. Once it reaches 78 rpm, the turntable has a clutch that disengages. You have to keep winding to play the record. You cannot play a 12" record on it. It's a very interesting machine and very robust. If you can get it cheap, go for it. These were made from the early 50's to the 70's.
Harvey Kravitz

I have one like this. I got it from Australia, so I assumed it was made there. No identification on it that I can see. It is a clever design that employs a flyweight clutch/governor on the platter. There is no spring. The crank is coupled directly to the platter spindle by a bevel gear drive. As long as you crank it a little faster than necessary, the clutch will regulate the platter speed to about 78rpm. Dirt simple. The lid cleverly folds down under the base when in use. It sounds terrible because there is no horn, but it's a very clever design for a cheap portable.

gregbogantz wrote:I have one like this. I got it from Australia, so I assumed it was made there. .

I would say it is Australian made. It uses the same aluminium tonearm & soundbox as my "Good News" gramophone, made here by Gospel Recording Inc between 1952 & 1954. Mine has a spring wound motor by HMV.

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