Union Treasure - Zonophone Rear Mount

[Jerry B.]

The shipping tape was added by a previous owner and it holds a clear piece of plastic that protects the paper label. I agree Harvey, Columbia machines compare quite well with any brand. Victor just had the luxury of a low priced alternative and Victor's advertising department placed their entire line above the competition. If I were comparing this Zonophone to any Victor, I would say it's better than a small case Victor I but less than a Victor II. It's a beautifully finished machine with an impressive horn.

Jerry

[alang]

Here is a catalog picture showing the Parlor Tapering Arm Zon-o-phone. It is the only one I know with this type of brake lever. The text describes a morning glory horn, but the picture shows a horn like on your machine. Do the dimensions of the case fit your machine?

Andreas

[Jerry B.]

Andreas, Thanks so much for the catalog photo. Yes, my machine has the same dimensions so it must be a Parlor. The photo is very interesting. The Concert model must have been adapted from an intended front mount machine. The crank is in a front mount position and it has the fancy cast top deck. It's interesting that the catalog states that the Concert cabinet is 14" long and 13" wide. Of course it was those dimensions when it was a front mount. Many rear mount Zonophones are slightly wider than deep. I realize the catalog is an artist rendition and may contain flaws. I don't know the year of the catalog but I suspect it was near transition from front to rear mount models. I'd appreciate any comments from our Zonophones experts. When did Zonophones transition from front to rear mount models? Did Zonophone keep low priced front mount machines in their catalogs like Victor? When did Victor acquire Zonophone?

Thanks, Jerry Blais

[TinfoilPhono]

I'm no Zonophone expert but I had a Parlor in the 1960s, which I got from the daughter of the original owner. It had the same tonearm, that locks in an upright position. But it was distinctive because the horn was very short, relatively speaking. It looked out of proportion. Looking at the catalog image I see the same off-balance visual appearance. I wonder if the all-brass horn on yours is a replacement (mine was black and brass).

[Jerry B.]

Yes, my horn is larger than the one in the image. I'd guess my horn is the same as the one shown on the Concert. I think it looks really good. Jerry

[TinfoilPhono]

No question, it looks great -- whether or not it is an original configuration. Brass horns rule.

[phonogfp]

When did Zonophones transition from front to rear mount models? Did Zonophone keep low priced front mount machines in their catalogs like Victor? When did Victor acquire Zonophone?

Thanks, Jerry Blais

To the best of my knowledge, Zonophone's transition to rear-mount machines began in 1904. These are the models clearly designed to be front-mount machines, with back brackets placed over decals. I don't think the all-wooden motorboard machines like Jerry's beautiful little Parlor appeared until 1905. A careful examination of Universal's advertisements in The Talking Machine World would probably nail down a period.

Victor bought Zonophone/Universal in late 1903, but I don't think that is relevant to this particular machine.

I agree - that Parlor is a beauty!

George P.

[gramophone78]

When did Zonophones transition from front to rear mount models? Did Zonophone keep low priced front mount machines in their catalogs like Victor? When did Victor acquire Zonophone?

Thanks, Jerry Blais

To the best of my knowledge, Zonophone's transition to rear-mount machines began in 1904. These are the models clearly designed to be front-mount machines, with back brackets placed over decals. I don't think the all-wooden motorboard machines like Jerry's beautiful little Parlor appeared until 1905. A careful examination of Universal's advertisements in The Talking Machine World would probably nail down a period.

Victor bought Zonophone/Universal in late 1903, but I don't think that is relevant to this particular machine.

I agree - that Parlor is a beauty!

George P.

It is certainly a real treasure and beautiful. I'm still curious as to whether or not the trap door system is factory. I've never seen a machine with such an ingenious idea.

[Jerry B.]

Wayne, There is no provision to remove the top board. Only access is through the bottom. It's similar to cheaper Victors like the Junior and O. Jerry

[gramophone78]

Wayne, There is no provision to remove the top board. Only access is through the bottom. It's similar to cheaper Victors like the Junior and O. Jerry

I understand Jerry. The Junior and O I believe have screws to remove a panel. Yet, I don't see any signs of such on your original bottom board. So, that's why I ask if the hinges and latch are factory installed or was the bottom panel originally screwed/nailed in place..??.