The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Here are two Vesper gramophones with Henry Seymour parts.

I have not heard of these before . The cabinet work looks good . The second one isn't quite the model in the old print , must be a different one . The tone arm looks interesting ,though I have a strange dislike for straight tonearms normally.

Rather curious names for these models. As for the first one, the only thing remotely suggestive of the Chippendale period is the fretwork across the top of the phonograph. And I guess the columns on the sides. As for the table, if I were to call it anything, I would call it Sheraton due to the reeded leg. Nothing Chippendale about that table. The so-called Queen Ann floor model has more William & Mary in it than Queen Ann. In the States we have a furniture period call Colonial Revival. It started about 1876, the year of the Centenniel (spelling?), and continued through the 1920s and 30's. Generally not a high point in terms of furniture style, often being a conglomeration of earlier styles that meant "colonial" to many people back in the day. Many US floor models were done in Colonial Revival. I guess these Vesper models are the UK counterparts. Still, they have their own charms. Interesting to see them.

I agree, nothing Chippendale about the first one. Whereas the Queen Anne one is very similar to Queen Anne dressers apart from the turned legs and feet. 1920's take on period furniture.
Vesper gramophones were made by The Standard Manufacturing Company (Acton) Limited. Stadmac. April 1920 priced were Queen Anne-95 Guineas and Chippendale was 37 Guineas, 27 without the table.
The illustrations are not totally accurate suggesting they were initial designs given to the cabinetmakers.
They sound very good for 1920's gramophones. The Henry Seymour parts setting them apart from their contemporaries. Of course Seymour was the inspiration behind everything EMG in their very early days.

Many thanks Chunny, wonderful to see these! Are they yours? How do they sound?

I've just got them and will do the usual cleaning and service. I'll make a few videos soon. They sound great with acoustic 78's.

These are similar to the gramophone parts in the later part of his 1918 book "The Reproduction of Sound" I just read it, wonderful manual on recording.