Display Phonograph?
Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:37 pm
I was at an antique store today and one of the vendors had a booth full of phonograph items. I could tell that he was a collector, and or dealer as his prices and information tags were accurate and knowledgeable. He had a VV-XVII among other nice phonos. But there was something there I haven't seen before and wanted to ask the board for info as I can't stop stewing about it and don't want to miss a rare phonograph if I have a chance to buy one.
It was a mahogany table top that appeared to be some off brand from the late teens or twenties at first glance. But as I approached, I noticed both the left and right sides of the phonograph were glass allowing for a full view of the motor and internal horn. The lid lifted off four pegs, one at each corner, and was made of some sort of thin metal. It was panted brown to match the cabinet and from my experience, appeared to be original paint from that period of time. I didn't recognize the style of speed control, brake, or tonearm. There was no identification anywhere on the machine including the reproducer which was plain. The white gaskets looked yellowed and crackled as they would look if never replaced.
The tag read, "This was a display phonograph used to demonstrate how they work while showing the internal workings. There are not very many around." The price was just under that and was selling for $165. I thought it was interesting, especially after checking the cabinet for originality and age, finding it to be original from what I can tell.
Does anyone have any information or thoughts? The more I think about it, the more I am second guessing my decision to come home to do research without it. Thanks for the help!
It was a mahogany table top that appeared to be some off brand from the late teens or twenties at first glance. But as I approached, I noticed both the left and right sides of the phonograph were glass allowing for a full view of the motor and internal horn. The lid lifted off four pegs, one at each corner, and was made of some sort of thin metal. It was panted brown to match the cabinet and from my experience, appeared to be original paint from that period of time. I didn't recognize the style of speed control, brake, or tonearm. There was no identification anywhere on the machine including the reproducer which was plain. The white gaskets looked yellowed and crackled as they would look if never replaced.
The tag read, "This was a display phonograph used to demonstrate how they work while showing the internal workings. There are not very many around." The price was just under that and was selling for $165. I thought it was interesting, especially after checking the cabinet for originality and age, finding it to be original from what I can tell.
Does anyone have any information or thoughts? The more I think about it, the more I am second guessing my decision to come home to do research without it. Thanks for the help!