Credenza Lookalike machine

[ColoradoPhonograf]

I picked up a machine which has many cabinet attributes as Victrola Credenza. The case is 3 inches shorter and 2 inches narrower than my Credenza. There are no markings or decals anywhere on the machine. It's all original with no refinish and has been in the same family since the 1930's. It uses a hefty 2 spring pillar and plate motor with no markings with a crank extension rod. The large reproducer which is may or may not be original is marked Audak Co. No. 40 matched. The horn is wood and seems to be a simple construction but with a Very odd entry into the chamber (I removed the back panel for the photo).I find it odd that a machine could have Many of the cabinet features that a Credenza also had including the bun feet but with no markings as to the manufacturer. Any ideas? or has anyone seen a similar machine?
Thank you,
ColoradoPhonograf

[estott]

That is one of the closest Credenza clones I've ever seen, and it appears to be decent quality- is the grille similar as well?

The horn isn't folded but it seems to have a saxophone bend to give it additional length. If the Audak reproducer is suffering from pot metal disease then replace it with something from a decent 1930's portable and this should sound pretty decent.

[Bruce_Van_Note]

This machine looks interesting, and I don't have anything to add about it. But, I do have a question....did patent and copyright protection apply to cabinet design as well as mechanical innovations? Not knowing the history of Victor's copyright battles, I wonder how hard it was to keep other companies from stealing it's designs. If anyone knows, please pass along your insight.

[ColoradoPhonograf]

The grill is almost identical to the Credenza as well with the three arches and pillar scrolled woodwork. I just didn't think to take a picture of it, but it is literally identical. The reproducer is in very good condition without any pot metal issues. It has a celluloid or bakelite cover on the face.

[estott]

You can copyright a cabinet design and prevent people from making an exact copy, but if they vary enough details you can't do anything. For example, Victor was able to protect the use of doors over the horn, but it couldn't keep others from using curved front posts that suggested the Victrola outline.