The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I'm offering a Victor Model E Monarch Jr phonograph with the factory installed Rigid Arm assembly from 1902. This tonearm was Victor's first attempt at a rear mounted horn setup and only used on the E, M, MS and R. The results were not well received by the public and Victor engineers worked hard to get the second version out. The next design, the "Taper Arm" was a huge success and used for many years to come on both horn models and Victrolas. Collectors have been chasing these Rigid Arms for a long time due to their rarity. This example is a good solid machine and sounds about as good as one of these will play. That is largely due to Paul Baker's restoration of the original Concert reproducer. The machine retains most of its original parts but does have a replacement horn elbow and the 19" horn itself probably came from a front mount machine. I believe the decal on a Rigid Arm had a bluish color background while front mounts had a black background behind Nipper. The horn was properly straightened and polished by John Duffy and looks outstanding. The backmount bracket has been re-painted and looks great. The backmount mounting screws could be either reproduction or perhaps re-nickled originals. They do not have the same patina as the turntable, brake and tonearm. The tonearm does show wear and the brass is showing in some areas as can be seen in the pictures. The crank is original and shows signs of age as can be seen in pics. The paper label is still intact on the bottom of the case with a March 1, 1902 date and selling price of $30. The finish on the case appears to be original. It needs a deep cleaning. All I have done is wipe it down with some Go-Jo. The motor is dry and needs lubricated which I can do before shipping or can avoid a mess and have new owner lube it up. Left rear bumper/foot is missing and needs a shim to level it up. The top board/motor board has a slight split, an easy fix or leave as is. Look at the pictures to see this. Shipping will be in 2 boxes with adequate packing materials. Shipping costs will be the actual cost. Payment is preferred by check or money order. PM for options. Any questions, request for more pics or commit to buy please PM me. At this time I would prefer not to ship overseas. Thanks for looking, Joe