Looking For Info. on "The Badger Talking Machine Co."

gemering · Post by **gemering** » Mon Dec 28, 2015 10:52 pm

I would like to learn more about The Badger Talking Machine Co. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
As a starting point, I found the following attached advertisements in the Talking Machine World.
I'm curious how many 10-50s they modified with coin boxes and glass doors, for use in hotels and restaurants and whether or not this was done with Victor's blessing.
I am also curious if the Badger Co. modified other models this way?
Any help with this research would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Gene

startgroove · Post by **startgroove** » Tue Dec 29, 2015 12:53 pm

Gene, I don't have any printed data on that subject, just some experience. Many years ago, I had a 10-50 with an accumulator unit installed inside for coin operation. There was no coin box, or wall box, on the 10-50 itself, just a plug in spot on the back side where, I assume, a remote wall unit could be attached. There was no window in the door as described in that ad. I decided to make the 10-50 as original as when it left the factory (something I now regret) and so removed the accumulator unit, which I still have to this day. I may decide to install on the 10-50 I have now, so it can be remotely started. I found it a bit unusual that a machine like that could win popularity since someone had to reload the records when they had all played through. Russie Ofria

Olorin67 · Post by **Olorin67** » Tue Dec 29, 2015 3:38 pm

judging by these ads, and the use of the Victor logo, it sounds like the company was a Victor distributor, since one ad mentions servicing Victor dealers.

estott · Post by **estott** » Wed Dec 30, 2015 8:50 am

I wonder if Victor was quietly encouraging this sort of thing to clear stock before introducing their new style changer.

gemering · Post by **gemering** » Wed Dec 30, 2015 8:59 am

estott wrote:I wonder if Victor was quietly encouraging this sort of thing to clear stock before introducing their new style changer.

Great question!

Gene

gemering · Post by **gemering** » Wed Dec 30, 2015 9:08 am

Here's the example that I am purchasing. (see attached)
The first four photos show the coin mechanism.

Gene

Post by **gramophone78** » Wed Dec 30, 2015 9:18 am

Wow Gene, that looks really interesting. I hope you make a video of its operation. Love the addition of the viewing window.
Good luck with the deal...

.

Here is a blow up of the ad for easier reading.

Oceangoer1 · Post by **Oceangoer1** » Wed Dec 30, 2015 10:23 am

That 10-50 is absolutely beautiful! Quite a treasure for any collection, as the glass window makes it extra special. Orthophonic, automatic, and coin operated; its a fantastic combination!

gemering · Post by **gemering** » Wed Dec 30, 2015 11:19 am

Thank you for the kind words.
I will definitely make a video of the machine in operation, once it arrives later in January.

I found these "Badger Co." post cards this morning.

Gene

Victrola-Monkey · Post by **Victrola-Monkey** » Fri Jan 15, 2016 12:19 am

Gene,

Doesn't look like my VE 10-50 has the Badger type of window and coin mechanism like yours but here's some photos of mine unassembled for comparison purposes.

-Wayne

Looking For Info. on "The Badger Talking Machine Co."

Looking For Info. on "The Badger Talking Machine Co."

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