English "Academy" Phonograph

[John Svensson]

I thought this was an interesting looking machine, particularly for anyone located in Upstate NY...perhaps a deal of sorts. For when the link goes kaput...described as an Academy brand phonograph from London, rather intricate looking, smaller floor model. Anyone know anything about the maker? I'm sure not 'top of the line' but it looks to have some quality. John

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/atq/2647939203.html

[alang]

Here is a screenshot:

[estott]

I've seen a couple- decently built, I'd say they're about the same quality as a good Silvertone. The only interesting feature I've seen is that some of them have grillework incorporating the letter "A"

[syncopeter]

Academy was an off-brand make and this must be one of their top line models. The price is definitely interesting. The tound qualtiy was so so though. More decorative than musical. A good 102 sounds better.

[epigramophone]

Academy was the brand name of the Johnson Talking Machine Company, which had no connection with Eldridge Johnson's Victor Talking Machine Company.

Like many of the popular priced British makes, Academy gramophones employed bought in components including motors and soundboxes. Some elitist British collectors dismiss such machines as unworthy of their attention, and this attitude of 'Lid Transfer Snobbery' is at least partly responsible for dissuading new enthusiasts from joining our hobby.

We should all remember that we were new to the hobby once, and we all had to start somewhere.

[John Svensson]

Thanks for the info, a little out of my geographic range but I thought it could be a good acquisition for someone breaking into collecting, particularly for the price. John

[syncopeter]

Oh yes, it's a nice starting point and it sure is a good looking machine. But a VV 4-4 blows it out of its socks.