The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I know for certain that this is a Sonora, but that's about all I know, and this is the only picture I have, unfortunately. (I did see another just of the decal, which is how I know for sure it's a Sonora, though that grille is a giveaway, too.) I would guess it's a mid-1920's model, but beyond that...who knows? Can anyone tell me any more about it -- model name and approximate year, was it electric or windup, did it have a radio or not, what's under the lid and behind the doors...any definitive information (and, of course, pictures) would be helpful. Thank you!

P.S. Sorry for the small photo, but if you click on it, it gets a bit larger.

Must be one of their Art models? Idk what it is but it’s cool.

Perhaps one of these?

Judging by the stretcher, it looks like the Hampden model.

Unfortunately the ad doesn’t show what is behind the doors but your photo seems consistent with a radio panel.

See below.

The lower right hand "drawer" appears to be mahogany, while the rest of the cabinet is walnut, and the knob on that drawer doesn't match the other knobs. My guess is that someone replaced the phonograph drawer with something newer.

Otherwise it is a beautiful cabinet.

A highly educated guess.

The lower pull out drawer contains either a 5 tube (o1a) or 199 tube type Neutrodyne receiver made by Wireless Specialty Co., Ware, Splitdorf, or American Bosch. The large section of the case would hold a lead acid 6 volt battery ("A" battery) for filament voltage. The smaller section would hold "B" batteries for plate voltages and maybe a small "C" battery for bias voltages.

Acoustic spring wound phonograph. Made by Sonora. Of course. And a mechanical valve that would switch between the radio driver and the acoustic phonograph path.