Aretino talking machine.



This article is part of the ANTIQUE PHONOGRAPH, GRAMOPHONE AND TALKING MACHINE IDENTIFICATION GUIDES.
SEE ALSO: Our listings of outside horn talking machines for sale.


Distributed by the O'Neill-James Company of Chicago, this rear-mounted Aretino of around 1908 is a phonograph of Hawthorne and Sheble origin. A spring loaded contraption in the tone arm was intended to defend against Victor needle-in-the-groove patents. The Aretino was fitted with a 3" spindle, effectively locking the buyer into Aretino brand records. The O'Neill-James company specialized in 'scheme' machines, in which the phonograph was given away free as part of a promotion.

Aretino
Front view showing Aretino decal. Larger image		Aretino rear view
Rear view Larger image
Aretino reproducer
Reproducer Larger image		Aretino case
On/off switch and speed control indicate Hawthorne and Sheble manufacture. Larger image
Aretino tone arm
This mechanism was intended to nudge the needle on its journey. It was added as insurance against the Victor patents. Larger image