The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

So: I encountered this machine at a local shop: at first glance, it appeared to be some sort of off-brand, hornless tabletop. (Apologies for the photo quality: the rather unusual knobs on the lid and grille are not very visible).

However, some odd details presented themselves: the crank seemed far too tiny for such a large case, and was placed rather high up and towards the front; the turntable was also undersized at about 8"; and the tone arm (recognizably Victor) was mounted wrong way round. A no-name reproducer was attached.

Judging from these features, it appeared that the entire mechanism of an early Victor I had been put into this large case. However, there were no telltale holes to indicate a swapped motor.

The case, as you can see, is mahogany, and quite substantial: the workmanship is far from crude. A small wooden horn hung from the motor board.

Now, the obvious conclusion is that some skilled cabinetmaker put this together, to "upgrade" an earlier machine. Herein lies my quandary: do I part it out, as I had first intended, which would certainly bring a profit over the pittance I paid for it; do I try to find a Victor I case, bracket, elbow and horn, and return it to its original incarnation; or do I restore it "as is" - with the exception of putting a proper Exhibition on the tone arm - and sell it with its history?

What say you all? -Bill

I think it's a viable candidate for a restoration - of sorts. I personally enjoy seeing these older relics that some thoughtful craftsman has constructed. Very neat, Bill!

Best,
Fran

I would restore it the way you found it. The cabinet and horn is home made, but a great job. This is a great example of someone making do, or an upgrade to an earlier machine. I'm sure when this was done, outside horn machines were obsolete. The owner probably couldn't afford a new internal horn machine. There are plenty of Victor I's out there. But this is a great example of Yankee ingenuity.
Harvey Kravitz

It is certainly Yankee ingenuity, but if you ever get a hankering to get rid of those parts, I'd say find a Vic I case to put them in.

Since your objective is to sell the machine, I do not believe it is worth restoring. There is not much of a market for Frankenphones. I would guess that most of the people who might buy it would simply buy it for parts anyway. My 2 cents.