The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

It'd be interesting to know if it was made before or after the Pathé Salon gramophones

https://www.earlytech.com/earlytech/ite ... &image=443

Steve

Larry,

I can't add much to the consensus, other than when I first saw the photos, I immediately thought of the Columbia Symphony Grand.


Since Herzog is being considered as a potential cabinet-maker, I wonder if this was a specialty option of theirs, to upgrade one's "unsightly" external-horn machine.


If so, I wonder of there was any litigation threatened by Columbia !


From the photos, it looks much better-executed than a Harry Homeowner weekend project...


I would suggest keeping it intact.

Fascinating!

I wonder: if this was built after the Symphony Grand was introduced, why did they not just buy the Columbia?

Or (perhaps?) they already had a Victor V, and decided that having a custom cabinet built in that style would be less expensive than buying a whole new machine?

Bill

Larry;
What an unusual cabinet indeed. I cannot really add anything to what has been said,but I agree that this was not originally a Columbia machine. The fact that there are no holes anywhere from the Columbia parts and the square horn opening (rather than the round opening on the Columbia) proves this. I noticed that there is a small gap between the backmount and the wooden horn. Was there anything that filled this gap when you first got this? Anyway, great addition to your collection. I too would leave this just as you found it, but clean the case with New Life furniture cleaner, it will clean up beautifully.

Bill

Thanks for the opinions and advice. A lot of great questions that seem unanswerable at this time. I've been searching the internet but have not found anything on this exact cabinet or if it had another use.

I'm of the belief it was made by Herzog. Comparing this cabinet with online pictures of the Columbia Symphony Grand with the exception of the front façade style they are the same. The dimensions, the side doors, the door hardware and hinges, the record storage rack, the shape and construction of the cabinet it self are all the same.

I can't believe this is a one of a kind cabinet so I've been searching for possibly another use.
But I guess anything is possible, with the Herzog factory being in the area at the time. And there was plenty of money around at the time from lumber, furniture and ship building.

StL Bill wrote:Larry;
I noticed that there is a small gap between the backmount and the wooden horn. Was there anything that filled this gap when you first got this? Bill

This question was brought up off line also. The way the horn is mounted it slides up and down in it's mount so it will sit on top of the back bracket. But know that I have looked at it again I believe there should be something there to make a tight seal and would also explain why the elbow clamp is still in place.

Tom B, I've had the cabinet on it's back looking for info on the bottom, but none to be had. But I forgot to look at the bottom and top edge of the side doors. I'll have to look there next.

Larry Crandell