The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

! was thinking and this came to mind: what are the machines made by the factories that made them (not 3rd party) that offered machines with the most intricate, detailed, and over the top cabinets on them?

My favorite would have to go to the gothic style Grafonola of 1919! that thing is a BUSY looking machine!

And whatever the Victor De-Luxe is. I can't find photos of an actual one!

Here’s a few.

Ok! I REALLY love this one! Was this a real machiine?

It existed in a catalog at least.

Garret

AmberolaAndy wrote: Sun Jun 16, 2024 8:49 am Ok! I REALLY love this one! Was this a real machiine?

According to the information from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where the phonograph is housed -- https://philamuseum.org/collection/object/88823 -- the cabinet, a one-off, was created by William Plummer.


"The elaborate phonograph cabinet which he created is in the permanent collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.[2] Made for personal use, it is estimated to contain more than 300 pieces of wood. The carvings combine emblems from Southern folk art such as hands, hearts, vines and stars, with stylized versions of the Victor Talking Machine's dog mascot Nipper. It was even mentioned in his obituary."

FROM: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Plummer

HTH,
OrthoFan

here's some other pics and renderings of the Monarch Deluxe

When copying and posting scans taken from books and other copyrighted material, it's always good form to at least mention the work. In this case, page 60 is shown from A World of Antique Phonographs by Fabrizio & Paul.

George P.

Yup like George said give him some credit!
I need my own copy of that book someday.

But that Monarch Deluxe tho…*swoons*

I apologize for not citing the source - thanks for the reminder