When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Unusual and highly collectible compact portable gramophone manufactured by Thorens of Switzerland. These ingenious machines were designed to pack their playing components into a remarkably compact camera-like carrying case.
This example retains its Thorens “Made in Switzerland” badge and includes the removable components shown in the photographs, including the winding crank, reproducer/soundbox, curved tonearm/horn assembly, platter components and fitted case.
FUNCTION TEST:
We gently wound the spring motor using the original crank and moved the control from STOP toward SLOW. The platter started spinning under its own spring power. The control successfully stopped/released the mechanism during our basic test.
We have not played a record through the machine and have not performed a complete mechanical or audio evaluation. Therefore, while the spring motor and platter have been verified to operate, the gramophone is being sold without a guarantee of complete playing performance or accuracy of speed.
An older handwritten tag was found with the machine stating:
“THORENS / EARLY 1920\'S / CAMERA PHONE / PLAYS BEAUTIFULLY – ALMOST MINT / $95.00”
This vintage tag is included with the machine for historical interest only. Its statements reflect an earlier owner\'s/dealer\'s description and are not being represented as our current assessment of age, condition or operating pre-owned condition with visible age and use throughout. The crackle-finish case shows wear, scuffs, scratches and finish loss. Metal components show age-related wear/tarnish.
Please note that the original leather carrying handle is heavily deteriorated, cracked and damaged, as clearly shown in the photographs. We have left it untouched rather than attempting a repair or restoration.
The machine has not been cleaned, polished, restored or serviced by us.
Please examine all photographs carefully for exact condition, completeness and included components. Everything shown is included.
A fascinating piece of early portable audio engineering and an excellent display or collection piece for a Thorens, antique phonograph, gramophone or early sound-equipment collection.
