The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello,
There is an Electric Orthophonic automatic Victrola for sale an hours drive form my house. The fellow says that it is in perfect working condition. From the pictures it appears that the exterior finish has been removed?? I mostly collect cylinder and outside horn machines but this unit looks interesting. I have been told that the later Orthophonics have great sound. The asking price is $200.00 Can anyone tell me more about this unit? Also how much would this machine weight?
thanks
Pete

Hello,
I just got an email reply with some more info. The data tag reads 10-35 RD/1928 0696
Pete

Check in your LFD. It will give you most of the info... .

Here's a start...
http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... 20&p=75967

And...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MOLfhk5icI
http://myvintagetv.com/updatepages1/103 ... r_1035.htm

James.

You could put a finish back on it, I suppose.
Here is a link to a featured one.

The 10-35 changer was rushed into production before some of the mechanical flaws were fixed, resulting in an embarrassing recall from the Victor company to retrofit the early changers.

The unit you pictured seems to have escaped that recall.
Here's a very informative link to the history of that machine:

http://myvintagetv.com/updatepages1/103 ... r_1035.htm

The retrofit included eliminating most of the changer electrical circuits, adding knife blades (to separate records better as they cycled) and fitting a hold-down spring for the loaded records. The original changers had a separate weight that sat on top of the records. It would be very fortunate to have that weight still with the machine.

The front panel was replaced with one with just two push-buttons, one to start the motor and change cycle, and the other to stop the motor.

A metal roller was added to make the "throw-off" better for the rejected record.

The price is fine for this; I'd recommend phoning the owner and have him do a walk-around, and have him clearly state that the changer does what it's supposed to do: Slide the record up, deposit it correctly on the turntable, and set the tonearm down correctly on the record rim.
Most machines need a good deal of attention to get these functions set correctly. Ask about the condition of the pot-metal reproducer; most I've seen are stable and in rebuildable shape.
The finish was originally two-tone, as shown in the pictures, but I'd ask about it, including the condition of the top of the lid.
Ask if the grillcloth is undamaged.
The unit weighs about two-hundred pounds, I'd guess. It can be safely transported on its back once the loose pieces are taken off or secured.
Measurements are: 40 ½" H X 34 ¾" W X 20" D

This will occupy you for many intriguing hours!
Good luck!
Bob B.

If this can be made to operate I'd say $200 is a decent price. I would not put valuable records in the changer though.

It should be added that this is a Canadian model. Here is the label under the lid.

Hello,
Thanks for all the information. It really looks like an interesting machine. I had no idea that they weighed nearly 200lbs. I have a hard enough time moving around my Edison C-250, there is no way I could haul this home and get it into the house.
Pete

I replied to the fellow with the Automatic 10-35X saying that I would pass on it because of its size. After finding the page in my " Look For The Dog" book detailing the machine I decided it would be nice to pass all the information on to the seller. I told him I was a phonograph collector. Now he wants to give me the machine for free. He say his Grandmother had it since it was new and wants it to go to a good home. Now I have a real dilemma!! It would really like to have this machine. I may have to hire a couple strong fellows to help move it!!!
Pete