Neumann R21 pre WW2 vintage cutting lathe sold as Telefunken Ela A103/1 much like the AM31, AM131, VMS70, VMS80 etc.

PLEASE READ FULL DESCRIPTION OF THIS LISTING. SHIPPING TAKES UP TO 8 TO 10 DAYS TO PREPARE. USA BASED BUYERS NEED TO BE ON STANDBY FOR ASSISTANCE WHEN BUYING BECAUSE USA CUSTOMS HAS TIGHTENED THEIR IMPORT PROCEDURES. PLEASE ASK ALL QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU BUY.

For sale this extremely rare pre WW2 Telefunken Ela A103/1 portable record cutting lathe made by Neumann as model R21, it is in fact a Telefunken branded Neumann lathe. This lathe is amongst the earliest Neumann lathes, it is in essence the foundation stone of Neumann's dominance in the world of record cutting lathes. This type of lathe was available for professionals like the military etc who needed a portable recoding device. This unit is in amazing condition for its age considering many pre WW2 items are either in poor condition or damaged during WW2, not this one it has survived in close to "museum like" condition. The hardware of this lathe looks crisp, rust free and the platter turns smooth without noise or obstruction. Its build quality is extremely solid and it is very heavy. I am selling this lathe as a museum object with the remark that it is an excellent platform for someone to build upon with an updated cutter head etc etc. The fraternity of disk mastering technicians is a tight and constantly evolving community with many technical updates and modifications going around on existing platforms, if this sounds tempting to your ears this lathe might be for you. These are extremely rare items specially in this condition, do not wait if you want to add this to your collection.

A few details that need mentioning: 

The cutting head is not original and sub standard so it should be updated (the bracket and mounting arm for the head are original and unmodified). The playback head is a contemporary Telefunken R5. The original case cover and locking key are included, please not that there are signs of use on the outside of the case. The inside below the platter where the motor lives is in good and clean condition but I have not applied power to the motor or the complete lathe because I believe it need to be powered up by a professional in controlled environment. There are no cutting or playback amps included with this lathe, what you see is what you get. There is a small door on the front of the crate that is missing its key you need to open in an alternative way.

Included with this sale are the following items:

Telefunken Ela A103/1 vintage record cutting lathe with original cover and power cord.

Please inspect the included pictures for the lathes overall optical details, let the pictures tell you the full story. The A103/1 is a heavy lathe that needs a wooden crate for safe shipping. Due to the size and weight of this machine and additional cost of constructing the transport crate the shipping cost are higher than average. Preparations for shipping and construction of crate will take up to 8 to 10 days after purchase, please keep this in mind when buying. 

Pictures are of actual item. Feel free to ask any questions. Import duties are for the buyers account and are not included with buy it now price. Buyers within EU with valid VAT nr contact me prior to purchase for a 0% VAT sale. VAT nr must be checked first and shipping location must match VAT nr's registration. Suitable invoice for your business is available. This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.

I will ship with Fedex international Economy freight to continental USA, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Canada, UK, Norway and Switzerland. Full value will be declared on customs documents, requests to lower value will be ignored. Shipping to the above mentioned locations only, no exceptions.