I've been collecting vintage radios (mostly old TRFs from 1929 - didn't intend to, it just worked out that way) but for some time have wanted a phonograph project. Ideally I would have loved a Orthophonic Credenza, but they tend to be out of my price range - plus the task of moving them is a bit much at the moment. I was pretty pleased last week to see a Brunswick 'Victrola' (seller's words, not mine) in an ad for $40, so I got in touch and hauled it home last Saturday. It is a Brunswick model 112 with an Ultona reproducer. The guy kept it in his basement, so the outside finish is in rotten shape, and I'm going to have to be aggressive with the lacquer thinner.
Does anyone have a date-range for this model? Also, the grill is broken and I haven't all the pieces to put it back together, so any suggestions on getting a proper grill (with or without cloth, I can always get cloth) would be greatly appreciated. The reproducer is in good mechanical order, all the pivots are working and I've ensured it's lubricated so the metal doesn't get too much strain. The Pathé ball stylus is missing, and the Edison stylus connecting string is detached so these are things I will need to either fix or have fixed at some point. The Victor side seems to work well, I tested it out (after cleaning and lubricating the motor) on a record I don't care about, and the sound is not bad - actually cleaner than my 1970s Fisher turntable.
I'll be needing to have the crank, hinges, and probably the tone-arm/reproducer replated since there's a bit of pitting going on there, but any suggestions are greatly appreciated. One of the door handles is broken as well, are there any sources for accurate replacements?
Thanks a bunch!
Adam
