FOX PHONOGRAPH COMPANY

[jnorman111]

Logo.jpg (3.48 KiB) Viewed 1511 times

[jnorman111]

Records.jpg (3.71 KiB) Viewed 1511 times

[bbphonoguy]

I'm sorry, I don't know anything about the Fox Phonograph, but it is unusually attractive for being a complete unknown.

[Bob G.]

Interesting! This was from my uncle's estate and the facts he stated are pretty accurate.

This may have been a local label slapped on as mentioned earlier, but I doubt it. The label looked very much as if part of the manufacturing process. It was a very nice piece, and I thought about buying it, but I didn't have any place to display it. I'm as curious as the owner to find out more about it's history.

[jnorman111]

(J.M.J.)
Have repaired the broken spring motor in one of the two barrels, noticed they are vertical positioned, not horizontal. Maybe that will help someone to help me to identify more about this nice machine.
New gasket replaced on the reproducer and freed up the pivot attachment to the tone arm, which also allows for the play of vertical cut 78s.
The plate of brass with the script FOX in Blue color, did not show up very well on the photo of the logo here, because of camera flash. It just simpily states FOX PHONOGRAH. No address or nothing was found anywhere as to brand, etc. on the motor tone arm reproducer or the cabinet as I looked close at cleaning it.
My next project on it is to remove old dirt build up on the cabinet with Kotton Klenser and the put a beeswax oil sheen on it.
Then re-install the motor, tone arm, turntable, etc. and finally hear what it sounds like. Fun. Please help with any suggestions as to manufacturer, year made, (seems like Great War vintage as that was what the records that came with the purchase were, however, nothing scarce and curiosly only one vertical cut, also I would like info on the city made in, etc., etc., Don't think it was just another off brand with a label slapped on a cheap made machine, seems to nice to be that, but the sound test will tell all.

[OrthoFan]

(J.M.J.)

The plate of brass with the script FOX in Blue color, did not show up very well on the photo of the logo here, because of camera flash. It just simpily states FOX PHONOGRAH. No address or nothing was found anywhere as to brand, etc. on the motor tone arm reproducer or the cabinet as I looked close at cleaning it.

I'm more inclined to think that this was an unbranded model, produced by an outside vendor, for a company--not necessarily related to phonograph production--but bearing the name "Fox."

For instance, doing a quick web search, I was able to spot a reference to a company called Fox Department Store, Hartford. Conn. that was active in 1922. There are other references to "Fox Hardware" and "Fox Music Store," and "Fox Piano Co."

This sort of thing was quite common during the period.

[antique1973]

Personally I would stay away from an unknown brander unless I can get it for
$50 or less. The problem is the parts are tough to find, and this means if you
can find them at all they will be expensive.

[jnorman111]

(J.M.J.)
Yes, I would have generally agreed with you VV about an off-brand, and regarding parts, altho the Union show which, I vendor at, usually would be helpful to find something. However, in the case of this particular machine, it was all intack, and in very nice shape, just had not been played for over 50 years.

[antique1973]

[quote="jnorman111"](J.M.J.)
Yes, I would have generally agreed with you VV about an off-brand, and regarding parts, altho the Union show which, I vendor at, usually would be helpful to find something. However, in the case of this particular machine, it was all intack, and in very nice shape, just had not been played for over 50 years.[/quote


Condition is a big factor also, regardless of the brand. I should have also noted in my post that I am a part time reseller so I am
limited by what I can pay for a off brand machine. If I was buying for my private collection I would likely
pay more depending on the condition, accessories, records, etc.

[jnorman111]

(J.M.J.)
New pictures of the FOX PHONOGRAPH since I overhauled it and cleaned it up and got it up and running. It sounds very good, and plays both vertical and lateral records. The tone arm is nickel plated brass. I also found a model and serial number, which is also pictured. Still looking for information, none yet, don't know anything about this off-brand machine, except that I like its looks and sound. I will apply a new grill cloth.