Orsenigo Phonograph, Columbia Twin

[EFearing]

Just got through scanning some old posts and came across a photo of a Chinese Chippendale Chinosiree painted console. I have one that is identical that came from an auction in NJ years ago. I wrote an article for MAPS a few years ago about painted finishes on phono cabinets and included pics of this and several other machines I have in the article. I recieved an e-mail from a MAPS member with Information on the Orsenigo Co
The company was located in NY City in the 1920s and made custom furniture. The owner was an imigrant from Italy who specilized in custom carvings. This company was one of the many firms tha made custom phono cases for Columbia and others. When the market started to fail, it seems Columbia refused shipments on many orders. The Orsenigo co in turn, as did Brunswick for rejected Edison models added motors, horns and reproducers and sold them with their name emblazoned in the lid. They even left the Pagoda lamp in the corner like the Columbia, The Chinosiree painted scene is the only cabinet difference. The research and connections with these machines and companies is facinating! Guess it's the schoolteacher in me! Ed

[JohnM]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinoiserie