The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Lot of reproducers. The orthophonic is a bit unusual in the fact that it says it is a Victor but the nock off also states that it was made by E. Toman and company. An honest infringement on Victor patents. Odd color on the orthophonic nickel is from lighting.

Kevin Clark wrote: Wed Feb 16, 2022 1:25 pm ...The orthophonic is a bit unusual in the fact that it says it is a Victor but the nock off also states that it was made by E. Toman and company. An honest infringement on Victor patents...

No infringement. Between "Victor" and "Orthophonic," in the photo you posted, appears "MFD. FOR" or "manufactured for." These were replacement Orthophonic style sound boxes sold by RCA. As was the case with the portables sold under the RCA Victor brand name during this period--1930s/1940s--the manufacturing was outsourced. When they are overhauled with fresh soft gaskets, etc., and the needle-bar pivot is carefully adjusted, these sound boxes perform surprisingly well, although they are not as good as the originals.

OrthoFan

Thank you for the clarification. Not the first time I have been wrong and not the last.