SOLD! 1940's Silvertone Portable $60

[dzavracky]

While this isn't the nicest of portables, it actually doesn't sound all that bad! It has a nice one spring motor that is strong enough to start and play a record with the needle on the record. It can play about 2 and a half records on a full wind up. There is no horn in this portable, the tonearm just opens up into the case.

I did a little work on the tone arm, to make it usable. I can pm a video if you are interested.

Shipping is not included with the $60, I have not had time to calculate the shipping yet.

Cheers,

David

[VanEpsFan1914]

This is in rather nice condition for such a light machine. I've personally inspected this phonograph up close & can attest that it is worth adding to the collection if you don't want to risk damaging a heavyweight portable such as a 2-55 or HMV 102. At $60 it's not much bigger than an album of records and weighs not much more.

Servicing the single-spring motors these use is not very hard and they run great once done. This one is running great as is. The lack of a lid stay is accurate for this model; though there is not a horn on these, it can work nicely enough when placed in the corner of a room.

Decent example of some of the last American acoustic phonographs.

[Inigo]

Mmmm... That thing about the tonearm opening into the car and no horn... Aren't you sure there are any rests into the case of a 'fabric' horn? These portables usually carried a delicate but effective fabric horn, going around the motor down to the horn opening. These must have been very delicate, for there are some sort of paper or cardboard paste, mixed with cloth, damped in gypsum or something alike, that you can give the shape on a moulding, then removing when dried, so it gets hard.

[OrthoFan]

Mmmm... That thing about the tonearm opening into the car and no horn... Aren't you sure there are any rests into the case of a 'fabric' horn? These portables usually carried a delicate but effective fabric horn, going around the motor down to the horn opening. These must have been very delicate, for there are some sort of paper or cardboard paste, mixed with cloth, damped in gypsum or something alike, that you can give the shape on a moulding, then removing when dried, so it gets hard.

I wondered about that too. This particular model is listed in the 1952 Sears Christmas Wishbook -- http://www.wishbookweb.com/FB/1952_Sear ... ge0354.jpg

There are two versions-- one for $19.95 and a smaller one, without a lid support, for $16.95 --

(Click on photo to enlarge.)

I noticed that the larger model's description does mention a "15 inch molded tone chamber," while no mention of a tone chamber is made for the smaller model.

OrthoFan

[dzavracky]

Mmmm... That thing about the tonearm opening into the car and no horn... Aren't you sure there are any rests into the case of a 'fabric' horn? These portables usually carried a delicate but effective fabric horn, going around the motor down to the horn opening. These must have been very delicate, for there are some sort of paper or cardboard paste, mixed with cloth, damped in gypsum or something alike, that you can give the shape on a moulding, then removing when dried, so it gets hard.

I wondered about that too. This particular model is listed in the 1952 Sears Christmas Wishbook -- http://www.wishbookweb.com/FB/1952_Sear ... ge0354.jpg

There are two versions-- one for $19.95 and a smaller one, without a lid support, for $16.95 --

Capture.JPG

(Click on photo to enlarge.)

I noticed that the larger model's description does mention a "15 inch molded tone chamber," while no mention of a tone chamber is made for the smaller model.

OrthoFan

This is a 50's portable then? I can attach pictures of the inside in about a hour (I'm still in class ) I also have the correct crank for it!

[dzavracky]

Okay here’s some photos and 2 videos. One video is of it playing a late victor electric record, and then a batwing victor.
Notice in the first picture how the tone arm just opens into the case. It’s actually pretty loud

[OrthoFan]

Many thanks for posting the videos. Yes, it does sound pretty good, as it is now--probably better if the reproducer is rebuilt with fresh soft gaskets to take some of the harshness out, and make the tone fuller.

It's interesting, though, that Sears didn't go a step further and fit it with a small horn or something that would have conducted the sound to the speaker opening. In terms of price, factoring in the BASIC inflation rate, $16.95 would equal at least $164.00 in today's money; possibly more. That was a substantial chunk of cash back then, and you could buy a nice table radio for that price.

OrthoFan

[dzavracky]

I would like to get $100 for it, but it's already been on facebook for 2 months and not a single message about it. I thought it would be worth $100 ish, but maybe I am wrong?

I thought I would put it up here, maybe someone can enjoy it! Ever since I got my Victrola VV 2-55, I haven't used it once!

[Inigo]

Yes, these portables can sound very well. The 16.95 is your model, there's no declaration of a hidden in the parts list. They would trust on the case around the motor to amplify the sound. The fabric horn, though, is a great improvement, both in clarity and bass. Just make an actual comparison with your similar victrola, this has a fabric (or maybe metal?) horn. You can swap reproducers for the comparison...

[dzavracky]

Yes, these portables can sound very well. The 16.95 is your model, there's no declaration of a hidden in the parts list. They would trust on the case around the motor to amplify the sound. The fabric horn, though, is a great improvement, both in clarity and bass. Just make an actual comparison with your similar victrola, this has a fabric (or maybe metal?) horn. You can swap reproducers for the comparison...

Okay Ill give it a shot later today. The Victrola VV 2-55 has metal horn.