The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I recently acquired a very early VV-IX serial number 2549 so very early production. As we know these very early tabletop victrolas evolved fast with many changes.
As I inspected the machine it had all the early features one would expect plus this odd overhang to support the tone arm. The Victor Data Book describes this serial number range as having no overhang support. Initially I took this for a homemade "improvement" but as I cleaned it up and realized that it was very neatly and carefully made with nice nickel plating and precisely drilled holes with a tapped hole added to the black ring I began to think that this must be either very short lived factory equipment, a Victor retrofit, or a well made aftermarket accessory. Pictures are below.
Has any one ever seen one of these before or have any documentation for such a thing? If anyone knows I expect it will be one of the extremely knowledgeable people on this forum!
Thanks, Bob

I have never seen one before. Not sure what it accomplishes since it does not seem to engage with the pivot pin. Even if it did, I believe the additional support & rigidity would be minimal. Hopefully, someone will know, "the rest of the story".

Was perusing some patents and spotted this bracket that looks similar.

Thank you! It does look very similar. Do you know if the inventor was associated with Victor? Bob

It's a patent for the horn, not the bracket. I believe the bracket is shown as a generic device.

Seconded. Note in the patent text it has the whole thing with violin strings of ill-defined tuning to alter the tone.

My opinion is that this is homemade. If you zoom in on the picture that shows the rear side of the bracket there appears to be a plier jaw mark where the metal was bent. Obviously this could be something else since the lighting is not great. Only my opinion though and no denigration or detraction implied. It's an interesting item.

Doug