RCA Victor 2-7 portable

[vintage_victor]

I recently got an early to mid '30s portable that's similar to the RCA Victor 2-65 machine. Has anyone seen this one before? Its Orthophonic soundbox has a plastic backing with a gray rubber flange. An automatic brake is also present to turn off the machine when a Victor record is played. The tone chamber is not metal and appears to also be made of plastic. Its a perfect player and much better (in my opinion) than the earlier 2-55 with metal tone chamber. Any thoughts on whether this is US or foreign produced?

[OrthoFan]

I'd say it's definitely patterned after an "export model," the Japanese J2-7 shown here -- https://chikuonki.jp/victor-J2-7

Since it doesn't have the "J" prefix in the model number, it's possible it was sold in the local (US) market, perhaps due to over-production for the Japanese market.

Here's a "Google translation" of the text --

Victor's new hand-held type is full of familiarity.
This phonograph is a new type of handheld gramophone that has original ideas in every aspect and has been completely improved, and boasts an absolute superiority when compared to any other handheld phonograph. Please purchase this device after viewing the actual product regarding acoustics and structure.

Sound system: The unique performance of this device's improved orthophonic covered sound box and metal home provides powerful, rich volume and excellent sound quality unmatched by any other handheld device. The structure of the strong spring motor has also been improved, and a mechanical design has been added to the angle of the handle, making it extremely light and easy to roll. The motor board is finished in brown mahogany, and the rotating disc is covered in leather similar to the exterior.

Record container: A creative new idea with a sturdy and elegant wooden mahogany finish. When carried, it is stacked on top of a rotating disc and is held in place by a strong spring attached to the inside of the top lid, safely holding up to about 8 records. You can carry it to.

Brake device (brake): This is the latest type of simple and convenient three-stage braking type, and its usage is that when it is in the "ON" position, it will automatically start rotating as before, and will stop automatically as soon as the record ends. . At the “OFF” position, the automatic stop device stops working, and the rotary disk will not stop no matter how much you move the arm left or right. This device is useful for playing substandard records and for playing records repeatedly from the middle. “STOP” is used as a manual stopper, and the rotary plate can be stopped immediately under any circumstances.

Other structure: The exterior is covered with dark blue leather with a crack pattern, there are two needle jars with lids, and the needle can holder metal fittings are all chrome finished. Great consideration has also been given to the carrying handle, which has a spring and a fulcrum for the entire body. It is installed in the most convenient place.

OrthoFan

[JerryVan]

I would really doubt that the reproducer back plate is plastic, unless someone has possibly 3D printed a replacement. Hoping to hear from others on this...

[epigramophone]

From the front, the soundbox bears more than a passing resemblance to the HMV No.16.

[CharliePhono]

I don't know about the VV 2-7, but the horn on my 2-65 was a composite material, almost like a type of cardboard/fiber. It sounded great, though.

[travisgreyfox]

I would really doubt that the reproducer back plate is plastic, unless someone has possibly 3D printed a replacement. Hoping to hear from others on this...

Not 3D printed, as no layer lines or other deviations can be seen (unless done on a high end resin printer).

[Benjamin_L]

I would really doubt that the reproducer back plate is plastic, unless someone has possibly 3D printed a replacement. Hoping to hear from others on this...

It’s probably gutapercha or bakelite.

[OrthoFan]

Looking at the attached photo, I see the "gray" areas where the paint has flecked off. It looks just like pot metal to me. It's interesting, though, that there are no markings -- Victor or RCA Victor, or "Orthophonic" -- stamped in the back plate, so perhaps it replaced the original back plate at some point.

OrthoFan

[JerryVan]

Looking at the attached photo, I see the "gray" areas where the paint has flecked off. It looks just like pot metal to me. It's interesting, though, that there are no markings -- Victor or RCA Victor, or "Orthophonic" -- stamped in the back plate, so perhaps it replaced the original back plate at some point.

OrthoFan

My thoughts exactly.

[vintage_victor]

Looking at the attached photo, I see the "gray" areas where the paint has flecked off. It looks just like pot metal to me. It's interesting, though, that there are no markings -- Victor or RCA Victor, or "Orthophonic" -- stamped in the back plate, so perhaps it replaced the original back plate at some point.

OrthoFan

It's way too light in weight to be potmetal. Has to be plastic or even polystyrene of some sort.