Need some help from Brunswick collectors

[nikichase]

Hi y'all,
I just recently acquired a Brunswick Victrola, and I don't know anything about them. I have been busy busy trying to educate myself, however, I am pretty stuck. I have no idea how to date it. I've seen the badges on the machines, but mine does not have one. I did find a series of numbers stamped into the wood behind the speaker register. I don't know what they represent, and if they are of significance to me. I would just like to get an idea of the model number, and some kind of knowledge of what it might be worth. I've searched and searched, but am running in to dead ends. Any insight on here, from anyone knowledgeable, is GREATLY appreciated!

Thank you so much!

[52089]

That's a fine looking Brunswick machine, congrats. The folks here will tell you that it's not actually a "Victrola", because that's a trademark of the Victor Talking Machine Co., which has nothing to do with Brunswick.

Your machine has the 2-sided "Ultona" head, which means it is capable of playing more than just the standard "78s" that most people have - not all records are the same and you have to have the right equipment to play each type. The Ultona swivels and rotates multiple ways to allow you to play each type.

The Antique Phonograph Society publishes a really good book on Brunswick phonographs. If you join, you will have access to this and all their other resources online. You will also learn how to use the Ultona head properly.

As for value, that's difficult to say without better assessing the cosmetic, mechanical, and acoustic condition of the machine. It would likely be in the $200 range, give or take.

Others will have more to say, I'm sure.

[nikichase]

[attachment=0]Victrola 2.jpg Wow! Thank you so very much for all of that info! Yes! This machine is in FANTASTIC condition. Not many signs of wear. AND it works great, too! Thank you again for all of your help!

[alang]

Nice Brunswick! Based on catalog pictures from the book mentioned above, it should be a "Style 175", which in February 1919 was renamed to "Style 17". The dual-head Ultona reproducer and tonearm was patented in 1917, which places your machine roughly in the 1917 to 1920ish time frame. I also suggest joining the Antique Phonograph Society at https://www.antiquephono.org where you can find not only the Brunswick book with more information, but also thousands of interesting and helpful documents and videos. Check out the website, some introductory content is available for free to everyone.

Here is a link to an original manual for your Brunswick Ultona reproducer: https://www.nipperhead.com/old/brult01.htm

Hope that helps.
Andreas