THIS
ITEM IS SOLD
KASTENPUCK PHONOGRAPH, 1905
Many
"Puck" phonographs did not have wooden bases such as this one.
In fact, the oak "cabinet" (never used a lid) increased the
prestige and cost of the machine. Consequently, the
Kastenpuck, or "Puck with a box," is much rarer than models lacking any
wooden component. The interior of the cabinet, though it is
meant to suggest a conventional phonograph of the period, with an
enclosed motor, is empty. The entire mechanical works are on
full display. The motor was based on the design of a clock --
truly "clockwork"-- at which the Germans (who manufactured this
machine) were adept.
The
over-large key gives the mechanism a quaint look. As in all
of the "Puck" genre of phonograph, the record is driven by a length of string --
essentially acting as a "belt." As amazing as it is to
imagine such a basic arrangement will work -- incredibly it does.
Capable of playing one 2-minute cylinder per complete winding.
The Puck, however, is not bereft of sophistication -- it uses
an on/off lever to start the motor, and has an effective speed control
adjustment. It also has an "idler pulley" -- just like a big
Edison machine -- to adjust the tension of the driving string. The
support upon which the horn is mounted retracts into the cabinet for
storage.
The horn
is solid zinc -- a metal that was not used much in the USA, but which
was employed plentifully in German manufacturing. Zinc is
rather soft, like aluminum, so the fact that the horn is in excellent
condition is rather special. The mandrel is also zinc.
The reproducer is equipped with a genuine sapphire stylus.
Here is a
detail of the cast-iron decoration, original finish. This
type of decorative border is highly unusual among Pucks. The
knob illustrated to adjust the "levelness" of the machine.
All Pucks use some sort of "leveling" device to help adjust
the relationship of the reproducer to the record.
This delightful performer will not fail to bring a smile to
your face, and magical music to your ears. One of the most
most amusing aspects of the Puck is how so much music can emerge from
such a modest mechanism. Your friends will be amazed -- no
joke!
Price: $875.00 US, including a 2-minute cylinder to play, plus
shipping and handling. (NY State residents must pay sales tax, if
applicable.)
E-mail: phonotim@gmail.com
Telephone: 585-244-5546
US Post: PHONOPHAN
PO
Box 747
Henrietta, NY 14467 USA
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