The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Calling these ugly, is cruel and unnecessary.
They are better described as fantastic, bizarre, or grotesque.

Whatever other's behold, I look upon them, admiring and appreciating there visual uniqueness.
"I'm not bad. I'm just drawn that way." - Jessica Rabbit in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit"
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What's project through one, could be downright yucky.

I look forward for more fantastic, bizarre, or grotesque phonographs.

James.

Actually, I rather like some of the machines posted-particularly Jerry's Modernola. Ironic that it has a lamp, but we can't see it too well because of the lighting. When you've seen lots of units after collecting for years, the idiosyncratic machines have their own special aesthetic...Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

TinfoilPhono wrote:

Curt A wrote:Rene,
What is that horn?

That is an Echo-Tone, marketed with little success in 1908. It was advertised in Talking Machine World, but the ads kept getting smaller until they finally disappeared.

Thanks for identifying it, I really like it... Probably a needle in a haystack to find one. It's an interesting variation of a Cygnet horn, without a crane being necessary...

Curt A wrote:

TinfoilPhono wrote:

Curt A wrote:Rene,
What is that horn?

That is an Echo-Tone, marketed with little success in 1908. It was advertised in Talking Machine World, but the ads kept getting smaller until they finally disappeared.

Thanks for identifying it, I really like it... Probably a needle in a haystack to find one. It's an interesting variation of a Cygnet horn, without a crane being necessary...

A Pathé machine working on much the same principle is on eBay at the moment (and has been for some time).

Victor VII wrote:Actually, I rather like some of the machines posted-particularly Jerry's Modernola. Ironic that it has a lamp, but we can't see it too well because of the lighting. When you've seen lots of units after collecting for years, the idiosyncratic machines have their own special aesthetic...!

Roaring20s wrote: I look upon them, admiring and appreciating there visual uniqueness.

This was about the kind of reaction I have to phonographs in general, even the inside-out horns. The Modernola is awesome, not ugly: the H-19s would fit Arts & Crafts decor and even the old Victrola 210s would be better described as "understated."

Victrola XIIs are not "pretty" necessarily but they are unique.

I like this.

My "ugliest" would have to be--well, I like them all. I kind of think Edison C-250s are overdoing it and I even like the BC-34s. But in the right setting they all look pretty good.

Glad to see everyone enjoys phonographs of all sizes and styles!

I think most of these machines are not ugly...Tacky yes, but not ugly

Nowhere near as fantastic as the previous machines with their rare and unusual horns, here is an HMV Model V. It was produced Nov. 1910- Aug. 1913. According to his Masters Gramophone by Oakley and Proudfoot, on page 33- "The original heavy plinth was disliked by the German branch (who considered it so ugly as to make the Monarch unsaleabe)". Total sales 2,686. I think it looks great, and am happy to report the machine is doing well after therapy.

Here's one that was made in India years ago. I bought it at Union a few years ago because DeeDee loves bling. As part of my inventory project I took it to her favorite jewelers and asked about its construction. He said it's silver plate over ivory. Does it quality as "ugly?"

Jerry

That is beautiful!!!

James.

Jerry B. wrote:Here's one that was made in India years ago. I bought it at Union a few years ago because DeeDee loves bling. As part of my inventory project I took it to her favorite jewelers and asked about its construction. He said it's silver plate over ivory. Does it quality as "ugly?"

Jerry

I have to side with DeeDee on this one. Way cool.