Brunswick Model List?

[SonnyPhono]

This is a little random. Does anyone have a list of all of the models produced by Brunswick, or possibly know where I could find one?


Thanks in advance for any help!

[gramophoneshane]

Im not aware of such a list, either online or in book form.
I know they used letters, numbers and names to identify models during production, so you might find a Model E, a Model 23, or a Cortez.
The closest thing online for Brunswick is on George Vollema's site, which identifies the MOTORS used during production, along with complete parts lists for each motor type.

Actually, I've often though this is something we should be trying to achieve here on the board, for all the major/popular brands, like Brunswick, Columbia, Silvertone etc.
We could all post pictures of the machines we own, along with imaged used in catalogues, advertising, record sleeves etc.
(IMO) The only thing would be that we'd have to stick to post pictures of identified models.
I think there'd be little point in posting- say CL pictures, if the ad didn't state the model designation, otherwise it's just another random picture of an unidentified machine.

[SonnyPhono]

I agree with you. That would be a great tool to have if we started something like that. I did some pretty extensive searching and couldn't come up with anything by means of a list.

We could set it up in the same manner that the phonograph of the week is set up. It shouldn't be to hard to use a template with things like dimensions, grill pattern, metal finish, etc. Then, like you said, we could slowly enter the information with examples that we as collectors have on hand for accuracy. It would be a great reference and could cover many of the large companies from Victor to Silvertone. Any idea how to start it?

[Tinkerbell]

Has anyone considered the likelihood of contacting the Brunswick Corporation to see if they might be able to provide some historical documentation?

I can write them sometime next week explaining the list we are attempting to compile and see if they are willing to participate. While their website isn't exactly flush with information regarding their music endeavors (after all, phonographs were small change compared with billiards and bowling), certainly they must have something in their historical archives.

I'll work on that next week and see what I can come up with.

[SonnyPhono]

That sounds great, Tinkerbell! Let me know if I can help in any way. It sounds like a long shot, but at the very least, maybe they can point us in the right direction.

[larryh]

Yes that is an interesting idea. Far to few compilations that relate to Brunswick. I don't know the legality of it, but I see listings of ebay or craigs list machines here. If its not illegal perhaps we could start a list where we could add new styles as they show up? There is a Brunswick currently listed that is not one I was familiar with, not that that means a lot. Out here in the boonies we don't see the fancy pieces found in large towns very often.

Larry

[SonnyPhono]

That's what made me start this thread. I came across a fairly attractive walnut Queen Anne style Brunswick on CL that is about 10 minutes from me. I tried to do a little research on the model and couldn't come up with much at all. Here it is:









It has been listed before and has also been a topic of discussion here on the board in the past. I am just curious to find out more about this particular model. I am not a fan of lowboys but wouldn't mind having this one at all.

[larryh]

I had the plain walnut version of this brunswick. At first I thought it was sort of neat. It had limited moldings on the doors and the legs were plain queen ann. However in real life the thing looked clumsy in my opinion, sort of like a large box on extra big queen ann legs.. Some may like it and no doubt this is a high end console, so I guess if your just collecting for the sake of owing a fancy model it might be wonderful. I was happy when I finally moved mine on to a new owner for next to nothing. I think brunswick made some better styled low boy machines even if they weren't quite so fancy a wood.

Larry

[SonnyPhono]

All good points Larry. I looked back at the pictures again and can see what you mean about a box on Queen Anne legs. I think the walnut looks good and would probably need to see it in person for a true evaluation. Either way, it's priced at $500 and I am not willing to pay that much for it. Some background info on the model would be nice though.

[Lenoirstreetguy]

Here's a few images from the Brunswick machine catalogue...brochure actually....that dates I would guess from 1920-1 . I think these are the Canadian prices but I am not firm on that. I THINK this is the Canadian issue but I'm not sure. I think the Model 35 is illustrated in one of George's books, as I recall. The Style 1500 looks rather like a wardrobe.
Jim