Would appreciate if anyone could comment on the attached machine. Can we identify country of origin and how original the machine is? Is that the original horn and back bracket? I'm looking at the point where the back bracket has been attached to the case. Any "funny business" there? And what about that large crank escutcheon? Are we looking at a marriage of parts from different machines?
Thanks,
John
What is this machine and has it been modified?
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- Victor IV
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- Victor Monarch Special
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Re: What is this machine and has it been modified?
From the 1911/12 Beka catalogue, this similar machine has the identical decorative metal plaque :
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- Victor IV
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Re: What is this machine and has it been modified?
Yes, quite similar. But the large crank escutcheon causes some concern for me. Could it mean the motor has been changed and thus require a different crank hole? Also what is that white oval form under the back bracket. Wouldn't the bracket be directly attached to the case? If possible, I hope to look at the machine this weekend.
Thank you for your response. Seems the machine may be German.
Thank you for your response. Seems the machine may be German.
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- Victor Monarch Special
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Re: What is this machine and has it been modified?
You could also look for the brake, as I don't see one in the photos. Some machines combined brake and speed in one control.
- gramophone-georg
- Victor VI
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Re: What is this machine and has it been modified?
Looks fairly authentic to me, a German Beka. If it's been remotored, removing the turntable will give that away right off. I'm not sure about the plate under the back bracket, though.
"He who dies with the most shellac wins"- some nutty record geek
I got PTSD from Peter F's avatar
I got PTSD from Peter F's avatar
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- Victor IV
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Re: What is this machine and has it been modified?
All is now clear. I have examined the machine. Everything is original save the escutcheon. And why is that? Because the machine took a tumble some time ago and probably with the crank still inserted. Two things resulted: (1) a new piece of wood was cut in around the original crank hole and (2) a large crack now runs across the back board to which the bracket is attached. These two things explain the large escutcheon and the reinforcement of the backboard to support the bracket. I was not interested.
Very nice man, however (91). His barn was full of fairly good quality antiques. He had four English tea caddies; he now has three. I believe mine is Regency. What captured my attention was the overall condition, which was fairly good. And it had the original mixing bowl. If not the original one, then a period replacement. Like many floor model Victrolas, many tea caddies have been gutted over the years. Not this one.
This is a phonograph forum, but if anyone would like to see the tea caddy, don't hesitate to ask.
John
Very nice man, however (91). His barn was full of fairly good quality antiques. He had four English tea caddies; he now has three. I believe mine is Regency. What captured my attention was the overall condition, which was fairly good. And it had the original mixing bowl. If not the original one, then a period replacement. Like many floor model Victrolas, many tea caddies have been gutted over the years. Not this one.
This is a phonograph forum, but if anyone would like to see the tea caddy, don't hesitate to ask.
John
- gramophone-georg
- Victor VI
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Re: What is this machine and has it been modified?
Sure, show us your tea caddy!
If you don't mind the inquiry- what was the asking price on the machine?
If you don't mind the inquiry- what was the asking price on the machine?
"He who dies with the most shellac wins"- some nutty record geek
I got PTSD from Peter F's avatar
I got PTSD from Peter F's avatar
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- Victor IV
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Re: What is this machine and has it been modified?
The seller was asking $395.
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- Victor VI
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Re: What is this machine and has it been modified?
Bargain.
I would have snapped that up in a heart beat.
I would have snapped that up in a heart beat.