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Thanks Jerry, The company that is re-plating my mandrel is asking what, if anything, is inside of it. He was concerned about internal damage through the holes on the side with the longer shaft. Is there anything I should know about to pass on to him? Any advise would be very much appreciated. To me, it seems to be hollow with no mechanical parts. Thanks again Wayne

Weakness Now Herrick pickup with Fender 10G driving VE12-51E Electrola out headphone.MOV I recently acquired one of the Sykes Electrograph replica attachments being made by Martin Herrick of Herrick Pickups in the UK. These were manufactured in 1935 to play Edison Blue Amberol or Columbia Indestructible cylinder records. As did the original Sykes only suppled the upper part of the pickup. You have to sacrifice an Edison Diamond B Reproducer for the weight and stylus. In my case I went the extra and had a new diamond stylus installed by Wyatt Marcus. The original Sykes design was made for being used with a 1930s radio with a phono input. I tried the Herrick replica through the phono input of my 1933 RCA Victor "All Wave" Model 140 tombstone radio and it sounds quite good for a vintage sound with some treble-bass adjustment available. The replica by Herrick works also works on more modern audio equipment like a guitar amplifier on music amplifier. I acquired a small Fender guitar amp to try it out and it sounds quite good. With the amp you have some treble-mid- bass adjustments possible. I also tried using the Fender as a pre-amp and put the signal through the radio input of my 1928 Victor Electrola VE12-15E and it too sounds good for a vintage sound. Swonderful Herrick pickup playing out Fender 10G speaker.movWeakness Now Herrick pickup with Fender 10G driving VE12-51E Electrola out headphone.MOV

I am working on a list of titles and prices and organizing matching records and boxes and lids and details

A

Yes, polished, shiny nickel.

Hello, I'm having my 1907 Edison Standard mandrel re-plated. I just want make sure that it should be "polished nickel" as apposed to some other finish. Can anyone confirm this for me? Thank you in advance. Wayne Cukras Broadview hts., OH wcukras@att.net

Hello. I'm looking for a vintage record player that has both-sides-play capability AND record stacking/sequencing, which is a very rare and old combination. The models of phonograph that played vinyl records this way were produced as late as the 1950s. Jukeboxes obviously perform(ed) the same functionality, but they are more expensive and bulky. The 6 turntables listed in the Subject of this topic are the only models ever sold to perform these functions simultaneously (that I know of). They also all had 33/45 rpm compatibility, which is necessary for my collection (The Thorens CD-50 did exactly the same thing as the CD-53, just with 78 rpm only). Very few were made, and they are very hard to find. If anyone 1. owns/knows someone who owns one of these players, 2. knows where to find one of these players, 3. knows who to ask to find one of these players, I would greatly appreciate a genuine, serious reply below. If you're just going to comment about how the Thorens CD-53 looked like a kitchen appliance, I would appreciate if you kept that in the drafts. I am serious about finding one, and I have already searched everywhere else online. If no one can help me here, I will just go to shops in Sweden or other places in Europe myself. Once again, the models are as follows: - Thorens CD-53 (3 speed turnover changer) - Fisher/Lincoln L-70 (vacuum-flipper, usually in Fisher consoles) - Markel Playmaster 74/75 (dual arm "sandwich" player) - Capehart 16-E/P-7 (big "pancake" flipper, must be the later 3 speed version) Attached below are some images of the phonographs (in order):

Origin of Bombe Cabinets Bombe cabinets originated in France during the 18th century. The term "bombe" comes from the French word meaning "to bulge," which aptly describes the furniture's distinctive outward curved shape. This design was particularly popular during the Baroque and Rococo periods, known for its elegance and fluidity. Adoption in America Boston's Influence In America, the bombe style was notably embraced by craftsmen in Boston. The city became a center for producing bombe furniture, characterized by its unique design and skilled craftsmanship. Boston bombe furniture is recognized for its refined aesthetic, combining local Puritan influences with the cosmopolitan trends of the time. Characteristics of American Bombe Cabinets American bombe cabinets typically feature: Curved Front and Sides: The signature bulging shape that distinguishes bombe furniture. Craftsmanship: High-quality construction, often with intricate details and decorative elements. Functional Design: Increased storage space due to the expanded middle section. Cultural Significance Bombe cabinets not only served practical purposes but also reflected the artistic trends of their time. They symbolize a blend of European styles and American craftsmanship, showcasing the evolution of furniture design from the 18th century to the present day. Today, bombe cabinets remain popular for their historical charm and aesthetic appeal in various interior design settings.

Could this cabinet design be referred to as "Bombe"? Did Sonora ever use that term? I see that in the 1915 "Talking Machine World" they refer to it as "the bulge design." https://www.worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Music/Archive-Talking-Machine-IDX/IDX/10s/Talking-Machine-1915-06-OCR-Page-0045.pdf#search="sonora invincible" (The link borrowed from a 2015 TMF post by BenjaminL.)

Another featured machine here with the narrative starting out something like, ", I know the xxx machine (in this case Amberola 50) probably isn’t the most interesting machine out there but...." when in fact it is really interesting, not just the low serial number but also a clear demonstration of how Edison didn't just put out new models periodically but rather transitioned, making the best use of what was available. Thanks for sharing Nate!

George, your posting—and others here—demonstrate that interesting provenance doesn’t end with the initial purchaser of a machine or the story of how it made its way from the original owner. Those histories are, of course, fascinating, but so are the later stories of how these machines eventually found their way into our collections. I also love the comments that appear throughout this forum such as, “Well, it’s only a Victor III, but…” or “only a Model C GEM, but…”. Those of us who have been around awhile have come to regard some of these as more common machines, but when I first started collecting, many of those “common” machines were absolute holy grails the first time I laid eyes on them.

I didn't know there was such an adapted GEM in existence Jerry. Even without the ICS configuration, the condition is really excellent. I agree with you regarding not converting it to play regular cylinders. I wouldn't either. Even if you kept the larger mandrel pully with the intent of converting it back later, it could be misplaced. Also, why take apart such a clean machine if you don't have to!

What an amazing piece. Your brief history also adds alot of interesting information. Thanks for sharing!

Model:Sonora Invincible Serial #: 190603 Year(s) Made: 1916 Original Cost: No. 1 $375. Mahogany (Special Order Cireassin or American Walnut $30 extra) Case/Cabinet Size: Width 24 inches, Height 52 inches, depth 24 inches Turntable: 12-Inch Reproducer/Sound-Box: Sonora, with swiveling arm assembly to play lateral and vertical cut discs. Motor: Extra Heavy, Triple Spring, Gold Plated, Swiss made Plays Nearly 45 Minutes or Fifteen 10 inch Records. Horn Dimensions: Internal Reproduction Parts: None Current Value: $800.00 (NFS) Interesting Facts: A brief history of the Sonora Invincible Phonograph with its famous Bulge sided Ornate Cabinet, and other unique Features. Sonora was founded in the early 19teens and offered this unique style of Cabinetry on its top of the line models such as the Supreme, Invincible, Grand, Elite, and Baby Grand. Each machine came with an Official Sonora Guarantee Certificate, which protected the Phonograph against any material defects for 1 year. Each certificate contained the facsimile signature of George Brightman, the President of Sonora, and on the reverse side was proudly listed all of the patents and their origins under which Sonora produced its phonographs. The Cabinets also had the Sonora Patented Record Storage just below the horn, as well as a handy pull out Storage drawer where you could keep a few more rcords. Sonora's Bulge sided Cabinets were made and patented by The Herzog Art Cabinet Co. of Saginaw Michigan, a Company which was started by John Herzog back around the turn of the last century and specialized in the manufacture of artistic furniture, Cabinets, and also made early Cylinder storage cabinets for the Then fledgling Phonograph Industry. It's most remembered design were these famous bulge sided cabinets which were offered by Sonora. Sonora later moved its production facilities to Saginaw in 1917, and two years later purchased the entire facilities owned and operated by John Herzog. Herzog was so proud and enamored to his bulge sided cabinet design, that he modeled the porch on his Home in Saginaw after it, and also had his Gardeners trim some of the huge hedges on his estate in that shape as well. The Sonora Co. continued its success into the 1920's but when with the great depression of 1929, and record and phonograph sales soon falling to but a small fraction of pre depression numbers, the Company went bankrupt in 1930.

Thanks NateO! I do believe more vintage stuff like this will come out of the woodwork. The vendor was from Wisconsin but the records came from California. So they had quite a trip to get to me. The small VV-VI was a pleasant surprise at a great price point. But I believe the generational change has made these not as coveted as they used to be. At this same flea market there were several portable electronic players. An Admiral portable with two stereo speakers doubling as the cover was $150. It was a tube unit so it would also need extensive recapping. And of course the changer would need rebuilding. The little Victrola being mechanical would be much easier for a Neanderthal black smith mechanic like me to understand!😜

Brilliant - thanks!

Beautiful presentation! Thanks for sharing it with us!

Apparently, it's ended: October 16, 2025 - February 8, 2026

Edison Firestone Phonograph model B serial #106983. It’s in rough shape but motor still winds up and spins. For parts or restoration. It was given to me by a freind. You can pick it up in Ormond Beach, FL.

I might be in Madrid in the fall. Until when will the exhibition be on? Rick

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These demos are great! Instructive, yet somehow whimsical. I think it's the subtle sound effects that I like. Nice job! George P.

A beautiful, educational, and entertaining display, Aurea! Congratulations! George P.

No mold