An interesting "Off-Brand" in Hartford CT

[Lucius1958]

Ran across this one on Craigslist, and thought I'd pass it on:

http://hartford.craigslist.org/atq/3807482377.html

Rather impressive looking, and not in bad shape; has anyone heard of the "Rishell" brand?

[briankeith]

Rishell Phonograph Company, Williamsport, Pennsylvania "Rishell's first phonographs were announced September 15, 1916 issue of the "Talking Machine World". The earliest known Rishell discs were produced by Pathé', which pressed a short-lived series of 10 ¾" Rishell discs from its sapphire-ball vertical cut masters. Several specimens bearing rare Sapphire labels on their reverse sides are known. Within a short time, production shifted to the Rex Talking Machine Corporation, which produced Rishell pressings using the same couplings and 5000-series catalog numbers as corresponding Rex releases. A 12" Rishell series may also be from Rex masters.Following Rex's disappearance in late 1917, Rishell switched production to the Otto Heineman Phonograph Supply Company , manufacturers of Okeh discs. Heineman's series, numbered in the 1000's, duplicated couplings and catalog numbers of early vertical-cut Okeh discs."From: "American Record labels and Companies, An Encyclopedia (1891 - 1943)" by Allan Sutton & Kurt Nauck

[Curt A]

Yes, I saw one of these last month at an antique show. This model is very impressive and well built with its ornate columns on the front. I would like to have one...

[estott]

They were built by the J. K. Rishel (one L) Co. which was a very good quality middle of the road furniture maker.

[Retrograde]

Discussion of the Richell brand has come up a few times on the forum.

[FloridaClay]

So that people will know what machine is being discussed when the Craig's List item is long gone, here is a picture from that listing.


Clay