The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

So me and my family found an old record player in our grandparents house and we moved into our house for a while, only recently have we opened it up and looked at. It say Universal Talking Machine Co. from Rockford Illinois. I have searched the internet for answers but I can't find anything. Can someone please tell me some information about this, and maybe how much it is worth as well.

We'll need several clear photos.
Until then, take a look here and see if you spot it ...
https://www.google.com/search?q=%22Univ ... US900US902
https://www.google.com/search?q=%22zon- ... US900US902

James.

As James stated above, " We'll need several clear photos"
Saying it looks like this but rusty really isn't very helpful.
As for the missing "crank handle", you'll probably need pictures of the spring motor to determine who manufactured and supplied it so the right type of crank handle can be identified.

BobMason wrote: Wed Jun 02, 2021 10:08 am

Roaring20s wrote: Wed Jun 02, 2021 12:29 am We'll need several clear photos.
Until then, take a look here and see if you spot it ...
https://www.google.com/search?q=%22Univ ... US900US902
https://www.google.com/search?q=%22zon- ... US900US902

James.

This most likely is an "off-brand" machine, from after the dissolution of Zonophone, and the expiration of many older phonograph patents. The company name "Universal Talking Machine" was no longer protected by copyright, so a local manufacturer snapped it up.

There were hundreds of furniture companies, etc., putting out their own machines in the late teens / early '20s, so it can be hard to sort them all out. As mentioned above, these often used third-party hardware; hence, finding out what make of motor it has will help you in finding a crank.

- Bill