Phonoland

Hey Guys... I need some advice.

I have a chance to buy this (affordably priced) external horn phonograph, but I don't know much about it. There's no label/model/brand, but I think it looks like a nice unit and is in working condition. I was told it was purchased in Asia 30 years ago. I know that the "crapophones" today are mostly coming from Asia, but I don't know about the 1970's. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Here are some pics...

It looks more like a frankenphone than a crapophone to me- but I could be wrong. The tone arm, back bracket and horn all look like originals to me. The pictures aren't the best though. I started collecting back in 1978, and crapophones were being made then. Not to the extent they are now days, but they were floating around. I'm always a bit sus of any model with odd shaped cases and mirrors. They were around originally, but in very limited numbers. I've only seen 2 open horn machines I think with mirrors or glass in the cabinet that were genuine. Most dont stand on legs either, though what machines were manufactured originally in Asia,back in the teens and twenties, I really can't say, so it may well be authentic.
I'd say if you like it, and its as cheap as a regular mass produced crapo, go for it. I've got a crapophone that I bought cheap, and have altered it a bit to improve the sound etc, and I cart it around on picinic's and stuff, so I don't have to worry about scratching or damaging an original.

I think it's an early Crapophone and I wouldn't buy it at any price if I were you. My advice would be to put the money towards something recognisably "correct" that you will be able to dispose of easily when you're tired of it. This thing looks to me like a late 60's, early 70's attempt at recreating an original horned machine albeit as Shane says with some "original" hardware - remember original parts back then were incredibly cheap as the machines were too!

Mind you, it could be a very early fake and maybe therefore has its own collectible status beyond that kitsch exterior!