The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Jerry B. wrote:

When double clicked the image gets quite large and the elbow looks correct with an interesting variation, It appears to have a "blade" support brazed on the bottom curve of the elbow to support that massive horn, Pretty Cool! John

That's a very practical modification. My mentor collector, Ira Dueltgen, used to remove his big horn to give his Victor V a rest. I miss that guy. Jerry Blais

This is the precise reason my V sports one of those "fat" aluminum repro elbows. The original was very saggy.

Very nice!!! The early D is one of my favorite Victors. I especially like the early speed control. The large horn does look like it has slightly pulled the elbow down. This can be corrected with a little work on it.
Congrats!!!
Ken

I have seen several original Victor Monarch Specials with the metal ID plate on the side (I own two)--that is period correct, so you should not consider moving it. Perhaps the Victor Company thought to keep the tag on the side in order lessen the tag's impact on the decorative effect of their fancier units like the MS and D models. This unit should be equipped with an oversized brass bell horn or oak horn--you are very lucky to own such a beautiful and pristine example of this very deluxe machine. It will be perfect once you replace the reproducer. Congrats!

Or perhaps the tag on the side on early rear mount machines is simply a carry-over of the practice of putting it on the side on the front mount machines.