Sonora Hepplewhite Pembrook

[averagejoe]

I am new to forum and would like to know approximate value of this Sonora phonograph. I purchased it two weeks ago at a yard sale my landlord had. The phonograph belonged to her grandparents and has been in storage for 70 years. I could not find a single pic of this model anywhere but found the model in the Wakeman Sonora book. It was a period piece only produced in 1922. It was called The Sonora Hepplewhite Pembrook and sold for 175 dollars. The tag on bottom says it was patented on April 1st 1922. It was marketed as a compact version of their hi end cabinets with the same quality but a smaller footprint. This phonograph is in great condition, still plays fine and sounds great. A beautiful piece of furniture. Any additional information will be greatly appreciated.

[marcapra]

I have never seen that model before. It's what is called a consolette style upright for smaller rooms and apartments. Sonoras are known for their iconic bombay cabinets. Other that that, they are considered an "off brand" machine like Cheney, Pathé, Starr, Vitanola, Kimball, etc. I'm guessing, but it probably falls in the $200 range of value.

[epigramophone]

I have never seen that model before. It's what is called a consolette style upright for smaller rooms and apartments. Sonoras are known for their iconic bombay cabinets. Other that that, they are considered an "off brand" machine like Cheney, Pathé, Starr, Vitanola, Kimball, etc. I'm guessing, but it probably falls in the $200 range of value.

Sonora "considered an off brand" Certainly not by me . They are machines of the highest quality. The example pictured is a beauty and I envy the fortunate new owner .

[marcapra]

By "off brand" I'm not inferring that its quality is off. I own two nice Cheney's which are also fine machines for their era. I believe to most collectors the major brands of phonograph are Victor Victrola, Columbia, Edison, and Brunswick. There is a fine article on the subject of off brand phonographs by R. J. Wakeman at the APS website. After reading the introduction to Wakeman's article, he states his opinion of what the major brands are. Besides the four companies I mentioned above, he includes Sonora, Aeolian Vocalion, and Pathé. The inclusion of Aeolian-Vocalion as a major company surprises me as I've rarely seen one. Also other pundits have said to be a major brand, you have to have had major record sales, and Sonora did not make many records to my knowledge.

[Skihawx]

It is nice to see a Sonora record on the turntable. Nice machine.
The condition looks very good. Nice and original.

[JohnM]

I have never seen that model before. It's what is called a consolette style upright for smaller rooms and apartments. Sonoras are known for their iconic bombay cabinets. Other that that, they are considered an "off brand" machine like Cheney, Pathé, Starr, Vitanola, Kimball, etc. I'm guessing, but it probably falls in the $200 range of value.

Sonora "considered an off brand" Certainly not by me . They are machines of the highest quality. The example pictured is a beauty and I envy the fortunate new owner .

Sonora didn’t hold any significant patents, nor were phonographs their original corporate product, which is what qualifies it as an ‘off-brand’. One of many companies that jumped onto the bandwagon as the Victor patents expired. Nothing to do with build-quality.

[averagejoe]

Does anyone know about the nickle coating on this model ? Did all Sonora models have this and what was the process ?

[gramophoneshane]

Does anyone know about the nickle coating on this model ? Did all Sonora models have this and what was the process ?

By Nickle coating I'm assuming you are referring to the nickel plating on the running gear?
The process is the same as on any nickel plated object made from steel or brass.
All the parts, the tonearm, brake, speed control etc, and the motors, were all supplied by Paillard of Switzerland, even into Sonoras electric machine era, so they are essentially Swiss parts put into American built cabinets.

Sonoras radio-phono combinations used Paillard made phono parts combined with American manufactured radio and speaker in an American made cabinet.

[averagejoe]

Does anyone know about the nickle coating on this model ? Did all Sonora models have this and what was the process ?

By Nickle coating I'm assuming you are referring to the nickel plating on the running gear?
The process is the same as on any nickel plated object made from steel or brass.
All the parts, the tonearm, brake, speed control etc, and the motors, were all supplied by Paillard of Switzerland, even into Sonoras electric machine era, so they are essentially Swiss parts put into American built cabinets.

Sonoras radio-phono combinations used Paillard made phono parts combined with American manufactured radio and speaker in an American made cabinet.

Thank you for the information. The motor seems to be running fine. I have not tried to vary speeds yet. It has a great tone but I am afraid to play it too often. I do have extra needles for this phonograph as well. I am really enjoying learning about these beautiful machines so thanks again.