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Saw this unusual Vocalion machine at the Brimfield flea market today- it's BIG, appears to have an electric motor, the right hand door opens to reveal a metal horn. The knob in the center panel might be an on-off switch, the socket for the Graduola control is at the left. They were asking $1,400.00 which I consider too high even if it's unusual.

This machine has an ordinary spring motor. The crank is inserted in the little trim ring just below the bellflower carving on the left-center leg.

The little knob in the center is the famous Aeolian-Vocalion "Gradnola with Volunome". The knob is attached to a flexible shaft, and allows the operator of the machine to adjust the volume of reproduction whilst a record is playing, in the manner of a Pianolist pumping harder to produce dynamic shading.

That table machine is a nice original. It's just one of those things that fits into your collecting and household decor or it doesn't. I don't think the price was out of line but pretty much retail. If you liked it and it fits then that is not a bad deal. Those don't turn up often and you have to make a quick decision.

Thanks for sharing the photos with us. Even if it's not your thing it's good to see one and know what it is.

ColoradoPhonograf

I believe there was one at the Union phono show 2 yrs back with a 900 asking price. It sold (I saw it being loaded), but I'm not sure about the final price.

Y'know Uncle Vanya, the pact that there's a crank sitting on the turntable completely passed my notice. I was rather tired. There was another Vocalion at the market, a fancy fumed oak upright, but the tone arm had been repaired several times.

Thats a cool machine. I don't think I realized what interesting machines vocallion Made. It was the first machine I ever was around and was my Great Grandfathers. From what I recall it was on a matching cabinet so it must have been a table type model. A friend of mine has a wonderful small oak table model that is super nice looking and sounding. Rather wish I had one.

Larry

I picked up a Model K at a local auction but unfortunately the tone arm, most likely broken beyond repair, was replaced by what looks like one from a portable. I'm keeping an eye out for a gold original but have had no luck so far. I'm willing to be patient so one will come along sometime...

Steve

From what I've observed the gilding on most Vocalion tone arms has aged to look just like gold paint- if you can find an appropriately sized nickle arm you could paint it, maybe tone it with some orange shellac after.