The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Was just wondering what type of Victorla model this is with Caruso ? Thks

That is the art case model...which I think was supposed to be Chinese Chippendale... that the Victor Talking Machine Company gave him as a wedding present when he married Dorothy Benjamin on Aug 20 , 1918. The record in the lid is a gold pressing of the first side he recorded for Victor. There was a series of pics from that photo session. If I can find another pose I'll scan it and post.

Found it! This is from The Fabulous Phonograph.

Jim

Alright thks

Does anyone know what happened to it, is it in a museum?
-Tom

I would hope that it is still a treasured family heirloom.

I would hope so, too. A modern day picture would be great, though. I have wondered several times what might have happened to it.

Garret

I think it's a Queen Anne art model. The believe the legs are different between a Queen Anne and a Chinese Chippendale. Jerry Blais

epigramophone wrote:I would hope that it is still a treasured family heirloom.

He left a very large estate that was rather contentiously divvied up between his American wife, his (now deceased) children, and other family, and some of it was sold at public auction, so, who knows. Maybe some grandkid has it - or not.

Jerry I think you've got it! I've seen that machine referred to as Chinese Chippendale before but Queen Anne seems to be more like it . The record is supposedly La donna e mobile which, if not the first Victro record, was from the first New York recording session . Questa o quella actually has a lower matrix number.

Where did I see a picture of the opening of the ritzy Victor flagship store in New York on Fifth Avenue where they had a window display featuring Caruso and this machine? It was was loaned to them by Dorothy Caruso...this being after the singer's death. I'm sure I didn't dream this...

Jim

Heck- I would be happy to have the record! Regards, Johnny