Zonophone hornless gramophone

This is a clip of my latest addition, a Zonophone hornless gramophone which was acquired very cheaply on EBay recently. I think I'm correct in saying that this is a Model 1 from the 1919/1920 range as it has a single spring motor, 10" turntable and 4-slatted front horn opening. The Zonophone (Zon-O-Phone) Co. was founded in Camden, New Jersey by Frank Seaman in 1899 and the name was used on all products sold by him up until 1903. After this date the name was acquired firstly by Columbia records and then subsequently by the Gramophone Company/HMV and this machine is, not surprisingly, very similar to the HMV Model 1A hornless of the same period.

When acquired it was in typically old and dirty condition but was basically complete, intact and working. I spent a couple of days cleaning and servicing it:- I stripped it down, cleaned and lubricated the motor, de-rusted, cleaned and polished (where appropriate) the metalwork and finished by touching-up and polishing the wooden casework.

The end result is a tidy little machine which runs fine, although the motor and governor are still a bit noisy so I may look at re-adjusting it in the future, and happily plays two sides of a 10" record on a single wind. It is fitted with what I assume to be a much later Decca soundbox so I may keep my eye out for a suitable replacement although you know what they say ... If it ain't broke ...

Not the greatest gramophone ever built but a worthy addition to the collection. Enjoy the clip.

Please visit http://www.thegramophonecollector.com for more details of my collection.