The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Both Yales together - The Bluebird and the Baby Bird

nice. those are basically the same machine - by the same maker? - just with different reproducers?

Yes, the one on the right is factory painted for the kiddies like the Victor VV 1-2. I think the one on the left also has the wrong reproducer, but neither reproducer is actually marked.

Hi Brian--- I have the same machine-- (Pictures attached)
The picture on the front of yours is on the left side of mine-- Has pics on all sides.. The same machine is pictured in one of George and Tim's books as an unidentified machine--- Mine has a "Little Tots Phonograph" cardboard insert underneath... Obviously made by same company as the Yale Bluebird, but must have been sold by Little Tots. I know I don't have the correct reproducer. Could you post a close up of your reproducer??

Thanks-
Brad Abell

Well now we both know LOL - Mine also has the same cardboard insert on the bottom as yours. Funny though how the children's decals are on different sides but they are the same decals! I'll take a photo of the reproducer too. Yale - Davis Sales and Manufacturing Company, 763 State Street, New Haven, Connecticut 1923. No longer unidentified

So..... we still have a mystery--- maybe. Mine says "Plaza Music Co. West 20th St., New York"

I assumed that "Little Tots Phonograph" was produced in conjunction with the "Little Tots" records.. Were all these machines made "generically" and distributed by various companies? There are certainly other examples of motors and cabinets being made for multiple brand machines.

Did "Yale" actually produce them, or simply put their name on them? Did Little Tots Record Co. distribute these as premiums with their records?

Inquiring minds want to know? Any good historians out there???

Thanks-

Brad Abell

Yes we do - at least we know the Victor VV 1-2 was actually made by Victor for the children - this one's a mystery.

The reproducer

Thanks Brian-- I just might have one that looks like that in my reproducer 'piles.' I'll take a look.

Brad

Reproducer piles? LOL