The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello all,

I’m looking into an Upright Brunswick Double Ultona which I am unsure of the finish. It looks really nice, but it does look like it’s been refinished. What do you all think?

I personally think the missing legs are a bigger problem than the finish...

The finish on the outside of the cabinet should be very similar to what's under the lid with minor differences due to UV light, etc. The outside of this case has been refinished. I'm also a little concerned about the legs or lack of legs. Maybe casters would make a difference but the attractive trim, front and center, is really close to the floor. Why? Unless this is a family piece with sentimental value, I'd probably pass. Others?

Jerry Blais

Jerry B. wrote:The finish on the outside of the cabinet should be very similar to what's under the lid with minor differences due to UV light, etc. The outside of this case has been refinished. I'm also a little concerned about the legs or lack of legs. Maybe casters would make a difference but the attractive trim, front and center, is really close to the floor. Why? Unless this is a family piece with sentimental value, I'd probably pass. Others?

Jerry Blais

52089 wrote:I personally think the missing legs are a bigger problem than the finish...

Thank you both for your input. I had noticed the legs, but somehow when I looked closer I thought they looked ok. I think I will pass on it. It’s a cool looking phonograph, but with the issues noted, I don’t want to take a chance.

Thank you again.

That Brunswick has definitely been amputated. The legs should look something like this:

Aaaaargh! Tha plant pot on the top! I HATE that. They always leave markings. At home it is FORBIDDEN to put anything on top of gramophnes...

In my years of "on and off again" collecting...., I have noticed several uprights where the legs have been shortened. Why is that? I always suspected one or more legs suffered moisture damage (rot, etc.) and the owners at the time got creative...