Featured Phonograph № 3

[JohnM]

Maker: VTMCo
Model: 8-7
Serial # N/A
Years: 1926
Original Cost: $150
Case/Cabinet size: Dimensions N/A
Turntable/Mandrel Size: 12"/single-spring motor
Reproducer/Soundbox: Orthophonic
Horn Dimensions: Full-size re-entrant
Repro Parts: None
Current Value Mint: N/A
Interesting Facts: Made for schools. When I got it, the taper arm was painted black . . . I later replaced it with the proper finish.
Favorite Characteristic: Swing-up locking shelf with drop-down-flush knob; handle, kick-plate, and wheels — portable!

[solophoneman]

That is one great find!! I have only seen photos in LFTD of the Orthophonic era Schoolhouse Phonograph with wheels, but had never seen one from a collector!! I know someone who has the later version without the wheels. Certainly one of the rarer posts we will see here, and thanks for posting it.

Bruce

[phonophan79]

Wow! I've never seen this one. Very cool! All uprights should be on wheels like that.

[wjw]

That's one cool machine. This one has the metal horn?

[JohnM]

Yes . . . metal horn. John M

[gramophoneshane]

That's a very ugly machine! I don't think HMV ever made anything like this. I'll bet it sounds pretty good.
Forgive my ignorance, but for "horn Dimensions" you have full size re-entrant- does that mean it's a similar size to a 10-50 or Credenza, or that it's just a 4 chamber horn?
Do you own a measuring tape?

[JohnM]

'Re-entrant' is a technical term that refers to the four-chambered, Credenza-sized Orthophonic' (a trade name) horn. This machine sounds like an Orthphonic should with the added zing of the metal horn. As found, the reproducer was die cast. I switched it with a brass one. John M

[MordEth]

John,

Very nice machine! It appears to have held up quite well for being in a classroom, and now has the dubious honor of being the first machine I added to the Featured Phonograph archives, although the others followed it shortly thereafter.

Thanks for sharing it with us.

— MordEth

[Mr Grumpy]

Almost 9 years later and it looks as though the images are no longer available.
Here are some images of mine...

It's a Canadian model and interestingly from what I've read this should have a metal horn but mine is wooden.
Maybe a Canadian thing?

Click on the images and they'll straighten out...

[OrthoSean]

I'm not aware of any 8-7s having metal horns, mine is also wooden (US version). The 8-8 Schoolhouse has a metal horn , same as the 8-9, 8-35 and 10-35.

Sean