The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

https://sacramento.craigslist.org/atq/5693633451.html

The poster says its a MS (Monarch), but I thought both the Monarch and Monarch Special woodwork was more ornate. Any ideas what this machine really is?

Poster also says it's an "RCA Victor Victrola." It does look like "M S" on the plate, but it doesn't look a thing like the Victor MS pictured in the Victor Data Book, p. 87. Has an MS tag been substituted on another model? If so, which model? The combination of flat crank handle and taper tube/bracket support should narrow it down.

This is a late model MS made during the period when the MS was being transitioned into the Victir IV. Note it uses the same cabinet as the IV but is in oak, as the ones marked Vic IV are in mahogany, with an updated motor and large round speed control. I would guess this MS to be manufactured in late 1905-early 1906.

Steve

This machine was short lived until the Victor IV came out. These are exceptionally rare, and the price is a give-away. Someone should snap this ASAP.
Harvey Kravitz

I agree with Harvey. Very scarce machine. This is correct, and appears complete.
Best of all...less than half of what it is worth.
This should be gone by now!!! We have had two of these over the years, and have not seen one in a decade or so.

Yes I agree as well. I forgot to mention how rare these are and it's a wonderful opportunity to have something so unusual and rare for a mere pittance!
If I weren't so far away I'd be all over it for sure.
Congrats to the lucky buyer!

Steve

Just heard from the seller. It's been sold. He found out from interested parties that he priced it too low, but he's still selling it for the posted price. I wish more sellers were like that. (No, I'm not the buyer.)

Yes and it's heartening to know that opportunities like this still come up once in a while

So this one didn't make the Data Book? I'm still looking....

The listing is gone. What was the asking price?

Wes