The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Here is an interesting early coin-op conversion spotted in PA. Unfortunately I had to drop out at around 7K (I forget the exact amount). I came in second. Marked Universal Talking Machine Co.

that is basically a berliner in a box! just with some modification and a unusual horn! very interesting

Acutally, I'm just going off memory, but this machine appears to be Frank Seaman's (of Zonophone fame) first entry into the marketplace. His company was the Universal Talking Machine Co. There are obviously parts missing, but a complete and clean example of this machine does appear in the Fabrizio/Paul book, Discovering Antique Phonographs. I don't have the book here, so I can't give you the page # at this time.

These machines are very rare, but it is a coin-operated Berliner and was manufacturered around 1899.

This is a Universal Talking Machine coin operated phonograph. It was built and distributed in 1898 by Frank Seaman. with the knowledge of Emile Berliner. Universal was the name of Mr. Seaman's distribution company. Frank ultimately created the Zonophone phonograph line in 1900, which was distributed though his Universal Talking Machine Company as well.

About this specific machine, I have it on good confidence that it is all original and complete (except the horn). I have seen it play completely through a record with all coin operated parts functioning correctly.

This specific machine is a type B. It plays with a nickel. The only other documented example is a type A, and plays with a penny.