Martin_P Posted December 29, 2023 Share Posted December 29, 2023 (edited) Hey everyone. I wanted to share with everyone this mysterious phonograph. It is a French “Le graphophone” which seems to have been “heavily inspired” by something like a Columbia type N, to say the least. That being said, it was built quite well, it runs quietly with a compact motor (the crank winds backwards as it runs). The case is also lined with a thick green felt underneath the bedplate to eliminate some vibration. The decal is also quite beautiful, although it doesn’t look as bright and flashy as it likely did when it was new. there is also a hole right in the front above the decal. On the inside of the case there are 2 screw holes, and obvious signs of a piece that was once attached. What it was used for, I can’t figure out. There is even a mark on the bedplate on the opposite side that lines up, but I’m unsure if there is any correlation. If anyone has an idea of what it might be, I would love to hear. Edited December 29, 2023 by Martin_P Fix photos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tinfoilphono Posted December 30, 2023 Share Posted December 30, 2023 I've never seen one like it, but I love it! It looks to be more inspired by the Columbia A rather than N -- no endgate. The motor is similar to many of the Eagle knockoffs, except that it obviously is hidden under the bedplate and is not openworks. Great machine! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CurtA Posted December 30, 2023 Share Posted December 30, 2023 I love those odd French machines... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oceanlinerfanatic191 Posted January 19 Share Posted January 19 Perhaps it is a Columbia knockoff? Le Graphophone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dulcetto Posted March 3 Share Posted March 3 (edited) Hi everyone , I too have an example of this unusual machine. Mine has a black enamel and lined bed-plate and the case I think is slightly different . I will dig it out and post some photos . I bought it a few years ago at a British auction sale together with a batch of cylinder records that had evidently been with it all its life , so almost certain it was sold new in UK. Would also like to know which firm made it -- I imagine it was a European import from possibly France or Germany . Greetings from UK Edited March 3 by Dulcetto Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dulcetto Posted March 4 Share Posted March 4 (edited) Here's my machine. It came to me without horn or reproducer and I haven't gotten around to sourcing those parts yet ! As you can see , the bed - plate and upstand for the mandrel fixing are black enamel with gilt lining. The mandrel is nickel plated. Other than that , it appears to be the same -- I thought from memory that the case was a little different , but it does appear to be the same after all. Also it does not have any mysterious holes in the wood-work ! Best wishes from UK Edited March 4 by Dulcetto Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CurtA Posted March 4 Share Posted March 4 The red trim makes me think of the German Excelsior, but not sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry Posted March 4 Share Posted March 4 2 hours ago, CurtA said: The red trim makes me think of the German Excelsior, but not sure. The red trim is a layer of red felt under the top plate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin_P Posted March 5 Author Share Posted March 5 Thank you Ducletto for the pictures. After seeing the photos of you’re machines, I decided to take apart the phonograph and look for any evidence of paint. And underneath the break, as well as in the serial number and hole for the belt, is clear evidence of green paint…. I cannot be 100% certain that this was factory paint, though I think it is likely. Whether or not it is enough evidence to repaint the whole bedplate green, I don’t know yet. Let me know what you guys think, maybe another one will show up some day to confirm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tinfoilphono Posted March 5 Share Posted March 5 Interesting. It wouldn't make sense to paint over nickel, but perhaps your bedplate isn't actually plated -- is it perhaps just polished steel? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lamaziere Posted April 25 Share Posted April 25 You have an Ideal horn. I know that for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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