need help identifying a Sonora phonograph

[betsyricks]

My mother purchased this Sonora phonograph from a gift/antique shop about 10 - 15 years ago. She's ready to sell it now but I'd like to identify it first and figure out what it's really worth. I would appreciate any information you may have. It still works and has on a few minor scratches. It appears to have the original finish and has 9 records with it.

Thanks so much.

Betsy

[Torjazzer]

Hi Betsy.
Looks like a nice phonograph but you must post more pics. Lift the lid and show the turntable area. We need to see the tonearm and reproducer (the round piece that holds the needle). Is there an I.D. plate showing model and serial number? Show that too. Also, open the front doors and show the grille and record storage area. All of these areas factor into determining the true condition of the machine, which in turn will determine value. Good luck.

[Tinkerbell]

My mother purchased this Sonora phonograph from a gift/antique shop about 10 - 15 years ago. She's ready to sell it now but I'd like to identify it first and figure out what it's really worth. I would appreciate any information you may have. It still works and has on a few minor scratches. It appears to have the original finish and has 9 records with it.

Thanks so much.

Betsy

Some additional pictures of both the outside and the inside (to include reproducer and tone arm) would be helpful, as well as the item's general condition (e.g., plays an entire record without any mechanical noises).

It appears to be one of the Sonora Queen Anne low-boy, console models, which I believe were produced between 1918 and 1924... though I profess I am not really up to speed on Sonora models.

With a little more in the way of information and pictures, I'm certain others can speak up who have more knowledge in the Sonora arena that I...

[betsyricks]

Do these pictures help? We didn't try to play the record from start to finish but we will.

[JohnM]

Realistically, $175-$275.

[mf77]

It appears to be the Sonora period model "Serenade" as shown in the April 1925 advert below.

[Mr Grumpy]

Hi Betsy,

I have to agree with JohnM on this, I'd say a fair price would be around $200 or a little more.
I sold a similar machine this past weekend made by Columbia for $150, I needed the space so reduced the price
and it went fairly quickly. The issue that always comes up with this type of machine is space, they're
just too wide and most people don't have the room or desire to display them. I also sold an upright machine
this weekend that was in horrible condition (a no-name brand) for $150 - it sold within a half hour.

[gramophone78]

Craigslist is your best bet. Not a very desirable machine to a collector. Maybe to a decorator. Just put best offer.

[FloridaClay]

It is sad that these lovely old machines don't bring much, but as others have said that is the case. They just take up too much room for a collector who has many machines.

The advice to put it out on Craig's List and see what offers you get seems good. You might get lucky; someone who has been searching for one because grandma used to have one or a decorator who appreciates the handsome case or something like that.

Good luck!

Clay

P.S. If you use Craig's List, accept only cash unless it is somebody you personally know is trustworthy.

[estott]

It isn't just the width. In their time these were popular because they looked like a piece of furniture. Now many collectors like uprights because you can look at them and tell "That's an old phonograph!"

This is a very nice machine for someone who only plays it on occasion and wants to use the top as a stand.