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Equipment - Object, Clarke & Smith, Clarke & Smith cartridge player, 1950-1960's

  • Wooden box with metal grill in front and two clasps. To the side is a leather strap handle.

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  • Wooden box with metal grill in front and two clasps. To the side is a leather strap handle.

    Untitled image

  • Wooden box with metal grill in front and two clasps. To the side is a leather strap handle.

    Untitled image

  • Wooden box with metal grill in front and two clasps. Two plastic handles and an input connection sit either side of the grill.

    Untitled image

  • Wooden box with metal grill in front and two clasps. A golden cartridge sits beside the player.

    Untitled image

  • Wooden box with metal grill in front and two clasps. A golden cartridge sits beside the player.

    Untitled image

  • Wooden box with metal grill in front and two clasps. A golden cartridge sits beside the player.

    Untitled image

  • Wooden box with metal grill in front and two clasps. A golden cartridge sits beside the player.

    Untitled image

  • Wooden box with metal grill in front and two clasps. To the side is a leather strap handle.
  • Wooden box with metal grill in front and two clasps. To the side is a leather strap handle.
  • Wooden box with metal grill in front and two clasps. To the side is a leather strap handle.
  • Wooden box with metal grill in front and two clasps. Two plastic handles and an input connection sit either side of the grill.
  • Wooden box with metal grill in front and two clasps. A golden cartridge sits beside the player.
  • Wooden box with metal grill in front and two clasps. A golden cartridge sits beside the player.
  • Wooden box with metal grill in front and two clasps. A golden cartridge sits beside the player.
  • Wooden box with metal grill in front and two clasps. A golden cartridge sits beside the player.

Historical information

The first tape based talking book machine from the late 1950s, produced by Clarke & Smith, that allowed the listener to hear up to 20 hours of recordings. Although bulky (each tape cartridge alone weighed over 2 kgs), the MK1 was the first magnetic, multi-track tape produced and considered quite novel for it's time.

The cartridge designed to be played on the Clarke & Smith MK1 Talking Book player came in it's own separate container. Each cartridge houses the complete mechanism, track change linkages, replay heads and tape spools, which are stacked on top of each other within the housing. When one track was finished, the user was required to lift the metal cassette, turn it over, and replace it on the turntable. The bulky cartridges were distributed by post or train in strong 'Globite' cases made with reinforced corners and strapped.

The costs associated with talking book players were high and individuals/groups/service clubs were asked to sponsor a machine to help those who could not afford to buy or rent one. In this example, a plate attached to the lid indicates who raised the funds: "This talking book/is presented to you/by Tallimba Branch/ of CWA of NSW."

Please note: despite images, there are no cartridges with this model.

Physical description

Metal talking book machine housed in a brown wooden carry case. There are two plastic knobs on the front facing right hand side, and an electric cord extending from the back of the case. To the left of the knobs is a speaker grille. Also includes talking book cartridge 'The darling buds of May'.

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