U-S Rex Cylinder Phonograph

[apruizii]

I just wanted to share my new find I picked up today. It's a circa 1912 U-S Rex cylinder phonograph which plays 2 and 4 minute cylinders. Obviously the reproducer to horn connector tube is missing. I put a post inquiring about the part but I hear it's impossible to find. However, Ken from the forum will be able to make something that will work.

This machine looks like the Amberola 30, but the cabinet seems to be better finished with the rounded edges. This is a cool unusual machine and my understanding is that less than 2000 were made.

Does anyone have any additional information about the Rex including rarity, collectability, etc.?

Thanks,

AR

[oltractor]

Cool!

[FellowCollector]

The Rex is an interesting little phonograph. I've always admired the elaborate decal on this model. I believe the Rex is the most commonly found model in the U-S model line (followed by the U-S Junior) but that's my own observation since I've seen quite a few of these for sale over the years versus other models. I have several U-S (and U-S made Lakeside) phonographs in the collection. I'm still searching for the Banner model. The one aspect that's a bit disappointing about the later U-S phonographs is the single reproducer versus the early (and almost always disintegrated) dual reproducer. The single reproducer has a stylus that was designed to play both 2 and 4 minute cylinders. A great idea but pretty mediocre in performance. My U-S Royal has a single reproducer and it plays 4 minute cylinders pretty well - not great but pretty well. But 2 minute Indestructible cylinders...not so much. They will play - but the sound is weak. The stylus simply does not comply very well with 2 minute grooves so it misses some of the recorded information. I've examined the stylus and it's near perfect condition but, in my opinion, the stylus was designed primarily for the 4 minute grooves. Anyway, this was a neat find and once you have the missing part I think you'll enjoy the Rex.

Doug

[Jerry B.]

A machine like this Rex makes collecting so interesting. Cylinder machines and records were in a major decline. Edison had been selling Amberolas based on left over Gem and Fireside mechanisms before introducing the fine Amberola 30, 50, & 75 models. By then the cylinder was definitely not a "high class" means of entertainment. Then along comes something like the little Rex. It must have been a tough sell in a declining market. Jerry B.

[apruizii]

Doug,

Thanks for the information about the U-S phonographs. I like the elaborate decal as well. I can't really tell the condition of the stylus, but I tried playing a 4 minute cylinder and the sound is faint. So I won't know the volume of the sound until I have the horn connector part.

This is a fascinating machine in how the rod on the left side slides in and out to engage a small gear with the correct set of gears for playing 2 and 4 minute records.

I sent you an email requesting some photos instead of a PM due to the website being flaky lately.

Thanks!

AR

[apruizii]

Jerry,

I guess the declining market was probably one of the reasons for the U-S company only lasting about 4 years.

AR