The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Going by the tag on the inside of the top cover, it is a model 200A from Mason & Risch Ltd.

Unfortunately all the research that I have completed online doesn't show that they ever made that style / model.

Obviously they did, since it is in my garage.

I don't know much about these at all, I bought it from my neighbor to put in my formal living room as a display piece.

From what he told me, there is only one small spring in the motor that needs replaced, then it will work.


If anyone can assist, that would be greatly appreciated, especially if anyone has an idea as to the value of it or rarity?


Thank you again


Fishhooks

Looks like a Victor Victrola to me...

Mason & Risch was one of many companies that sold piano's and musical instruments that got on the "Gramophone" bandwagon in the late teens. Prior to this, M&R was a Berliner dealer offering his wares.
Their machine's used parts made by others and then sold in their stores across Canada.

They even had needles tins and record brushes with their name.

If it wasn't for the tag on the inside and the Gold Leaf logo of Mason & Risch on the inside of the top cover, then I would agree as well.

Lot's of info written by Keith Wright about the company here --> http://keithwright.ca/CAPP/Mason%20and% ... Risch.html
I think I have a Victrola somewhere that has their company name as the dealer decal.

I'd imagine a machine that size has more than a single spring motor, although only one may be broken, you'd normally replace all (if possible).
Your neighbor may be referring to a governor spring? Any pictures of the motor?

Are you in the Toronto area? I live in Brampton and might be able to help you out.

I live in the St. Catharines area.

I will take some pics of the motor and post them later or tomorrow.


Thank you very much for the kind offer and I will take you up on it.


Does anyone have any idea of a potential value of this or the rarity of it?


I found many articles and some amazing original ads showing these for sale, but none with this style number, even google searching for the model number came up with nothing. A lot about the 175, but nothing on the 200A.

THank you again for help thus far.

Mr Grumpy wrote:Lot's of info written by Keith Wright about the company here --> http://keithwright.ca/CAPP/Mason%20and% ... Risch.html
I think I have a Victrola somewhere that has their company name as the dealer decal.

I'd imagine a machine that size has more than a single spring motor, although only one may be broken, you'd normally replace all (if possible).
Your neighbor may be referring to a governor spring? Any pictures of the motor?

Are you in the Toronto area? I live in Brampton and might be able to help you out.

Vince, Berliner/Victor model's that were sold by M&R did indeed have a decal of their name as the dealer.

fishhooks, like most "off brand" machines, the value is in the eye of the beholder. I would say half of a comparable Berliner/Victor model.

It may very well be rare in that there aren't many remaining, but I don't know of a anyone tracking the actual numbers produced
from this manufacturer. From a collector's prospective it isn't a desirable machine because it's what is considered an off-brand (not made by
one of the major phonograph/gramophone manufacturers). If I had it in my shop in good perfect working order -reproducer rebuilt/motor re-greased and oiled, and cabinet spruced up, I might get between 3-350 dollars for it, but it wouldn't be sold to a collector for that price (if at all).

Would it also have the gold leaf on the inside of the top cover?

gramophone78 wrote:

Mr Grumpy wrote:Lot's of info written by Keith Wright about the company here --> http://keithwright.ca/CAPP/Mason%20and% ... Risch.html
I think I have a Victrola somewhere that has their company name as the dealer decal.

I'd imagine a machine that size has more than a single spring motor, although only one may be broken, you'd normally replace all (if possible).
Your neighbor may be referring to a governor spring? Any pictures of the motor?

Are you in the Toronto area? I live in Brampton and might be able to help you out.

Vince, Berliner model's that were sold by M&R did indeed have a decal of their name as the dealer.

fishhooks, like most "off brand" machines, the value is in the eye of the beholder. I would say half of a comparable Berliner/Victor model.

I know I have one with a Heinman dealer tag, just can't be positive about the M&R.