Burns and Pollock Phonograph Lamp - Videokarma.org TV - Video

ianswanwick · #1 07-23-2024, 08:29 PM

Hello, I'm new on the forum and hoping someone can point me at any information and resources regarding this Burns and Pollock 'Lamp Phonograph' that I was able to pick up at an Estate sale here in Michigan (rather cheap at $140.00). I'm 67 with some experience restoring old items but due to rarity and age (the phonograph, not me...) I want to gather as much information as possible before I decide to attempt this project. Obviously it's missing the lampshade lid and fringe, but the rest of it seems pretty complete.

Any help or pointers would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Ian in Michigan

Screenshot 2024-07-23 212504 SML.jpg

old_tv_nut · #2 07-23-2024, 10:45 PM

Can't view the image.

ianswanwick · #3 07-24-2024, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old_tv_nut

Can't view the image.

Weird. I can see it today when I logged back in.

Alex KL-1 · #4 07-24-2024, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ianswanwick

Weird. I can see it today when I logged back in.

I'm also not seeing it.

init4fun · #5 07-24-2024, 02:51 PM

Hi Alex, can you see it if you click on this?

jr_tech · #6 07-24-2024, 03:02 PM

Restored one with shade... wow!

http://mechanicalmusic.net/lampophone-2/

jr

old_tv_nut · #7 07-24-2024, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by init4fun

Hi Alex, can you see it if you click on this?

I can see this one.

Alex KL-1 · #8 07-25-2024, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by init4fun

Hi Alex, can you see it if you click on this?

Yes, it works, Thanks!

Very interesting device!

Electronic M · #9 07-24-2024, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old_tv_nut

Can't view the image.

I can see the image just fine. I kinda wonder if the lamp part is under the plinith and if the horn is the base...If so it's a very interesting design.

ianswanwick · #10 07-24-2024, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Electronic M

I can see the image just fine. I kinda wonder if the lamp part is under the plinith and if the horn is the base...If so it's a very interesting design.

Thanks for the interest. Yes, there are two sockets for bulbs under the base with pull chains to turn them on or off, and the base is indeed the horn. It's very heavy - the horn is copper with brass feet. There's also an electric motor in there that drives the turntable. When originally sold this would have looked like a lamp with all the workings concealed by a large, hinged lampshade 'lid' and a hanging fringe around the plinth concealing the bulbs. So quite exotic-looking and not out of place in a Bordello! I did find a 'Manufactured in 1921' date stamp underside of the turntable when I looked it over again.

I'm leaning towards restoration because there's no issue with trying to match an original wood finish because it's all metal (although the copper horn was originally lacquered). The shade design and fabric will take some research - there were a lot of variations in their catalog.