Capehart Ampherion jukebox from circa 1930/32. Plays both sides of between 10 and 16 78 rpm records sequentially (i.e. this is a non-selective jukebox). The machine has a single 5 cent coin slide. The mechanism has a bicycle style chain linked to the mechanism under the record deck. This has a tooth on it which catches the bottom 78 in the pile of records on the left and pulls it across to the turntable on the right. A bar running from the front to the rear of the mech between the pile of 78's and the turntable has a gap at the base just wide enough to allow only the one 78 to be pulled across out of the pile. When the record finishes its play, two arms at the front and rear of the turntable lift the 78 record off the tuntable and, when it is horizontal, it falls onto the 78 record pile with the unplayed side now in position to play when its turn comes around. A chrome rod at the rear of the turntable swings out and gives the record the last push so that it is fully into position on the record pile.

The 'start' position of the mechanism is with the record on the turntable; the tone arm swings over onto the record to commence play upon deposit of a nickle. At the end of the cycle, the played record is returned to the record stack and the next record moved on to the turntable in readiness for play when another coin is deposited.

A wallbox was also available for operation with this jukebox so that patrons could make selections by depositing a coin into wallboxes situated in a booth or at the counter of the location. I also think that external speakers could be linked to the jukebox. Advertising was from time to time provided to the location owner by the jukebox distributor. This could take the form of flyers listing the names of popular bands and singers of the day likely to be featured on the jukebox.

I need to get an assortment of suitable 78 records as the machine really comes into its own when the right balance of music is presented. As it plays both sides of a 78 record, it is a bit of a challenge to find records with two good sides; often 78's have one good side and one ' filler' side. Also, as the machine is from the early 30's I have to confess to a poor knowledge of the music of that era.

The machine works thanks to the generous efforts of my friend Paul; a piece of history and a marvelous mechanism brought back to life!