The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Geo. P. Brent Co #76573 talking machine. Cannot post photos until early March 2011. The only information I can find is for piano's. Nothing at all regarding phonographs/talking machines. Does anyone have any information?

Thanks,
Styx1

Many piano manufacturers, music retailers etc added phonographs to their sales line after patents held by Victor & Columbia expired around 1918/19. These were generally made up from generic motors etc bought in from outside phono parts manufacturers & put into locally made cabinets.
These phonographs are refered to as off-brand machines by collectors, and usually aren't of much interest or value to collectors unless they have unusual features or are of exceptional quality.
Posting photos once possible may be helpful, as sometimes these off-brand machines were made up from cabinets that were being liquidated by other phono companies who were closing down, which may also add interest to the history of such machines.

After the fundamental patents of the Victor Talking Machine Company that allowed Victor to dominate the lateral-groove disc phonograph and record industry in the US expired through 1916-1917, dozens and eventually hundreds of phonograph companies sprang up since they could now operate without fear of being sued into bankruptcy by Victor's legal department.

Many of these small brands were started by persons or existing companies that had some sort of access to furniture or cabinet-making shops. The George P. Brent Piano Company was one of a number of other piano companies that diversified into phonographs so that their piano dealers would have a house-brand talking machine to round out their offerings and bring more money to the home company by competing against the typically more expensive Victor line. Other piano companies with house-brand phonographs include Bush & Lane, and Starr.

The glut of unremarkable phonographs available after 1917 saturated the market, and sales fell off industry-wide in 1924. The introduction of the electrical recording process in 1925 revitalized the industry, but also thinned the herd and many of these third-tier brands ceased manufacture of phonographs about that time.

Here is a link to an article about the post-1917/pre-1925 phonograph industry:

http://www.gracyk.com/makers.shtml

Are you sure it isn't George P. Bent Co. of Chicago? I've heard of that name, as an organ and piano manufacturer.........

Bent started out manufacturing sewing machines in the late 19th century, then moved into the reed organ business, and later made pianos - they might have gone into the phonograph business by the 'teens.....

Lucius1958 wrote:Are you sure it isn't George P. Bent Co. of Chicago? I've heard of that name, as an organ and piano manufacturer.........

Bent started out manufacturing sewing machines in the late 19th century, then moved into the reed organ business, and later made pianos - they might have gone into the phonograph business by the 'teens.....

You know, it's funny -- when I first wrote my response, I typed 'Bent', but when I re-read the OP's post I thought, "Jeez, is it 'Brent'?" and edited my post to add the 'r'. I've gotten to the age where I don't trust my memory or instincts as much as I used to. Thanks for the noggin'-knock!