The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I know there are Pathé fans on here. This one is for sale near me for $130. What do I need to know about Pathé to make sure I am getting a good machine?

I'm certain there are plenty others with a lot more knowledge than me in this area, but right of the top off my head, I would say make certain the reproducer is in good condition, preferably with a good sapphire stylus still in it.

Somebody sure has the bug... I'll tell you, start looking for that larger house now!

I keep telling myself I am going to stop looking on CList for a bit but I can't help it. I also want a well rounded collection but I have to keep reminding myself there is no hurry.I have a bunch of machines but only because I really haven't paid anything for them. Once I am more comfortable with them I will be much more picky....but yes, bigger house and bigger truck would be nice. I have to figure out how I am getting a XVI and my VTLA home from RI in Oct with a 1yr old on a 10hr drive. Haha

That is a fairly scarce early American Pathé, with a mechanism built by Columbia, as the patent situation was still dicey for independent firms. These machines came fitted with a large aluminum French Pathé reproducer,and a lateral attachment which consisted of a Columbia No. 6 reproducer with an aluminum diaphragm, which effectively covered up the Columbia logo. The same reproducer was used on some Royal, Standard, United, American Women's League and Consolodated machines of 1914-1915 vintage.

Thank you Uncle Vanya. Sounds like it is a neat piece of Pathé history. I will go look at it this weekend.

if that machine is complete, and especially if it's running (but even if it has a broken spring), you should buy it at that price. that's an early, uncommon model, and it's oak. but I wouldn't expect it to include the saphire stylus or a lateral adapter (the former is an easy find, the latter not as easy but by no means a challenge) - if it did, that price would be even more of a steal.

That Pathé looks great on the outside. It if looks as clean on the inside and is reasonably complete with motor and reproducer, then a baseline cost of $130 is a steal. Even if you have to replace a mainspring, reproducer or stylus ($40-$70 on eBay), you are still doing okay.

The ad says it plays beautifully. There is a picture of the inside that looks like the lateral adapter is what is on it. I haven't heard back to see if it has the Pathé. Hopefully Sat it will be mine.

Andrea

Here's the inside. Guys says it plays just fine they just don't have the room for it. We shall see tomorrow. Cross your fingers for me.

I sure hope you get it, looks awesome. I'd love to find one myself. There is a Sonora close to me for 185.00, the cabinet is similar to a Victor on this model. Does anyone have any experience with the sound of these?