The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

For me a Union treasure also includes things purchased on the road. I bought this little Zonophone from phono-nerd friend Larry S. in Iowa. I think it's a very interesting machine. At first glance it appears to be a model made when Victor controlled the Zonophone name and promoted it as a budget brand that competed with Columbia. Of course the basic Victor would be far superior to any Columbia. At first glance this machine appears to have been made under the Victor umbrella. The paper label on the underside is nearly identical to any Victor. The top board is all wood unlike earlier Zonophones, even early rear mounts, that had a lift-out mechanism with ornate cast decks. The motor is unlike anything I've seen in a Victor product. The speed control is a small lever with knob at the end that sticks out past the edge of the turntable. Another interesting feature is the lifted or neutral position when the tone arm is lifted. The tone arm does not have a u-tube but it can be lifted past a certain point and will remain there until the next play. I have not looked through my Zonophone reprints to determine this model but maybe someone can help. Thanks Larry!

Jerry,
Does it open from the bottom? I like it.

Yes, access to the motor is from the bottom. Jerry

Hi Jerry I have the same machine as you but my speed control is on the side. Horn is a black with brass bell horn. Other then that same as you. Jerry

So, as far as "Union Treasures" go, can we count things purchased some time back and then delivered to Union by certain Forum members?

- BG complements of JerryB
- Aluminium horn complements of Brice P

Looks nice next to my BGT don't you think so?

Gerry,

Nice Zon-o-phone - interesting changes you have noted by Victor

Bruce,

Both BG's are spectacular side by side.

Bruce

Bruce, I've always thought there was something elegant about mahogany cylinder machines. Yours are great!

Jerry B.

So, clearly the beige packing tape is not original, but is the trap door and hardware to this model..??. It just looks out of place. Yet, there seems to be no other way to access the motor.

Nice overall machine.. .

I believe the Zonophone is a late concert model. Mine has a sunburst blue flower horn and a 2 spring motor, with a similar case. It too, opens from the bottom. I never saw a lever like that before. Very unusual. One note (pardon the pun) about Columbia machines. When properly tuned up and restored, I think they perform just as well as any Victor or Edison (cylinder machines) . Just thought I'd throw in some good natured fun.
Harvey Kravitz

Hi Jerry,
I think you have a late Zonophone Parlor with Tapering Arm. It is the only one in the catalog that has this strange lever brake. I will post a picture later. Based on the catalog it should have a 9" turntable. Nice machine!
Andreas