Further photos of the Puck
The Puck was a brilliant invention. One day it popped into the mind of noted talking machine entrepreneur Gianni Bettini. It did exactly what it was designed to do with no extra equipment -- it played a cylinder phonograph record. It soon became apparent hat the Puck was a virtually perfect instrument from all standpoints-- it could be inexpensively produced, sold at a reasonable price, and functioned reliably: a virtual "People's Phonograph." Many factories commenced to manufacture Pucks in Germany and France. This particular model, known as the Mermaid or Siren features a scantily-clad young woman with a fish's tail. A rather odd choice of decoration for a phonograph? Perhaps, but how beguiling all the same!
Original gilding still intact!
The motor is primarily a clock motor. It runs the record by use of a STRING. As incredible as this may seem, it actually works.
The "lily" horn is one of the rarest employed on the Puck -- a rather free-form floral romp which we have painted in appropriately cheerful colors. Puck horns were always bright and eye-catching. In short, the Puck is a delight. It will just make it through one 2-minute cylinder record per complete winding, which is what it did when it was new. If you want to play A LOT of records, consider a bigger machine -- but if you want something cute and diminutive to liven up your life, get a Puck!
Price: $1250.00 US, including one 2-minute cylinder record, plus s/h (NY State residents must pay tax, if applicable).
E-mail: phonophan@aol.com
Telephone: 585-582-1586
FAX: Phonophan, 585-582-2624.
US Post: Phonophan
PO Box 747
Henrietta, NY 14467 USA