Featured Phonograph No 146 - Belknap Circus Wagon

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phonohound
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Featured Phonograph No 146 - Belknap Circus Wagon

Post by phonohound »

Make: Charles H. Belknap
Model: Belknap Circus Wagon
Serial #: None
Year Made: Circa 1920
Original Cost: Unknown
Case/Cabinet Size: 17" long x 8" wide x 11 ½" tall.
Turntable: 5" pressed steel
Reproducer/Sound-Box: Unmarked
Motor: Single spring
Reproduction Parts: Cardboard figures
Current Value: $1300 - $2000 (Depends on condition and completeness)

Interesting Facts: Patented on May 25, 1920. Made by the Charles H. Belknap Company, Brooklyn, NY. One of the neatest children's toy phonographs ever made. The crank in the front of the wagon winds the phonograph. The lever to the left of the driver starts and stops the phonograph. The wagon has a gear that can be engaged by pushing in a rod at the front that allows the wagon to roll along the floor while the phonograph plays. Very few are known (less than 10) and nearly all are different (figure uniforms, wagon design, decals, rod to engage the gear to propel the phonograph on the floor, etc).

Click the link to watch a short video of the Belknap Circus Wagon in action. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkNvrYEP6QM
Attachments
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Belknap Circus Wagon Patent.png
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IMG_20181203_194104700.jpg
IMG_20181203_194059613.jpg
IMG_20181203_194128521.jpg
IMG_20181203_194138522.jpg
IMG_20181203_194218065.jpg
Last edited by phonohound on Tue Dec 04, 2018 7:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Roaring20s
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Personal Text: Those who were seen dancing were thought insane by those who could not hear the music. Nietzsche
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Re: Featured Phonograph No 146 - Belknap Circus Wagon

Post by Roaring20s »

That is something to be proud of in any collection!
:ugeek:

James.

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travisgreyfox
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Re: Featured Phonograph No 146 - Belknap Circus Wagon

Post by travisgreyfox »

SO COOL! Thank you for the video. However, you need to make a longer one with more detail.

Also, if anyone on the forum was looking for that perfect Christmas present to get me this year, I would like one of these please :D

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MTPhono
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Re: Featured Phonograph No 146 - Belknap Circus Wagon

Post by MTPhono »

Thanks for sharing the video Scott. What an interesting machine.

phonohound
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Re: Featured Phonograph No 146 - Belknap Circus Wagon

Post by phonohound »

Thanks for the comments. I would've made a longer video, but I ran out of floor space :)

I wonder how many of these toys were made.
Last edited by phonohound on Tue Dec 04, 2018 7:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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audiophile102
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Re: Featured Phonograph No 146 - Belknap Circus Wagon

Post by audiophile102 »

That's the coolest phonograph toy I have ever seen. Thanks for posting this and the video.
"You can't take the phonographs nor the money with you, but the contentment the phonographs bring may well make your life better, and happier lives make the world a better place."

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