Featured Phonograph № 118 – Mahogany Monarch Special

[Zwebie]

Make: Victor
Model: Monarch Special (Mahogany)
Serial #: 200
Year(s) Made: 1902
Original Cost: ????? – ($45.oo for the Oak version)
Case/Cabinet Size: 12.75” x 12.75” x 7”
Turntable/Mandrel: 10” (Cast Iron)
Reproducer/Sound-Box: Concert (Long Throat)
Motor: 3 spring (bevel drive)
Horn Dimensions: 19.5” x 11.25” (All Brass)
Reproduction Parts: Leather elbow, rubber feet, horn support tubing
Current Value: ?????

Interesting Facts: This machine would have had to have been "special ordered", as Victor only made their cataloged phonographs in oak in 1902. This machine has a “mahoganized” oak tone arm. It is believed to be one, of only two known, and carries the incredibly low Serial #200.

Cheers, Bob S.

[youtubehd]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh8URSRxygI[/youtubehd]

[alang]

That is one beautiful rare machine. The Monarch Special is one of my favorite Victor machines. One day I plan to own one as well. Yours is not only rare and very early, but also in stunning condition. Paople must have treasured it and taken good care of it. Thank you very much for sharing!
Andreas

[Valecnik]

Beautiful machine Bob! The MS is among my favorite machines too.

[barnettrp21122]

Gorgeous machine and beautiful pictures! It handles that electric recording ("I'll See You In My Dreams")very nicely! Thanks very much for posting this!
Bob

[audiophile102]

Really quite wonderful. The pictures are very good. Thanks for posting.

[phonolady]

Bob,
Fabulous machine, Monarch Special's are among the best and of course the mahogany
is so rare and extra special.
We admire your photos and display. By the way, the horn looks fantastic.

All the best,
David & Lerria

[PHONOMIKE]

I was looking for one like this a couple years ago. A front mount MS with the all brass horn. I thought they were all oak. I had no idea there were a few in mahogany. I just ended up settling for a nice original MS with a B&B horn.

Very nice and rare machine Bob. I'd be proud to show that off too. Thanks for sharing with us.

Mike

[FloridaClay]

Stunning!

Clay

[daverob]

It is beautiful and amazing.

Curiously, the European HMV or gramophone and typewriter co produced a number of "Monarch special"-like models. I have several of both the us and European cases, and a major difference I have seen is that (American) victor d and ms columns have vertical ribbing, unlike the columns on tbe victor IV. (European machines are either depending on the model...)

I know that it might possibly causing trouble, but I recall seeing this or a similar one on an Internet antique store for an exorbitant price, and I thought, hmmmm.

Any comments?

[Zwebie]

daverob: Curiously, the European HMV or gramophone and typewriter co produced a number of "Monarch special"-like models. I have several of both the us and European cases, and a major difference I have seen is that (American) victor d and ms columns have vertical ribbing, unlike the columns on tbe victor IV. (European machines are either depending on the model...)

I know that it might possibly causing trouble, but I recall seeing this or a similar one on an Internet antique store for an exorbitant price, and I thought, hmmmm.

Any comments?

Before purchasing this machine at Union a couple of years ago, I had it checked out by Bob Baumbach, Domenic DiBernado, and Roger Merenkov. They all confirmed that it's the "Real Deal". I purchased this machine from Lynn Bilton who had found it in southern Illinois. This machine has also been verified by Tim Fabrizio and George Paul, and is displayed on page 15 of "A World of Antique Phonographs". (Also, I believe that the cabinet dimensions on the European version were smaller?).

The restoration of this machine has been a totally corroborative effort, and I have many members of the Forum to thank: George Paul, Bob Baumbach, Domenic DiBernardo, and Roger Merenkov, for their “expertise”. Shawn O’Rourke for an “excellent correct original” Speed Control. Harvey Kravitz for an “excellent original” Escutcheon. V.J. Seth for an “excellent original” Concert Reproducer, Support Arm, and Tone Arm Hardware. Ron Haring for an “excellent original” Record Clamp. And David Rosamond for the “excellent All Brass” Horn. (If I missed anyone, I am truly sorry!). I swapped out the Turntable and Crank with “excellent originals” from another of my machines.

I have included a picture of the machine "as purchased" at Union: