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. The O'Neill-James company specialized in 'scheme' machines, in which the phonograph was given away free as part of a promotion.

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.

Following litigation by Victor, later Aretino machines employed standard Columbia components.


Aretino talking machine
Front view showing Aretino decal.
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Aretino talking machine, rear
Rear view.
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Aretino reproducer
Reproducer.
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Aretino speed control
On/off switch and speed control indicate Hawthorne and Sheble manufacture.
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Aretino tone arm

This mechanism was intended to nudge the needle on its journey. It was added as insurance against the Victor patents.
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Aretino talking machine

This Aretino machine ca. 1909 made use of Columbia components.
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Randolph,OH 44265
330 325-7866

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