The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello. new to the phono world. I found a Vitanola type 16 in a friend's house and am interested in its history. I have read enough to learn that a Vitanola is I guess what would be considered an "off brand". I would like to determine the age if possible. I do have the S/N but have no idea where to find a resource to determine when it was made. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
greg

Greetings! You're correct in that a Vitanola is considered an off brand. If memory serves me well, I think they reached their peak around 1917 - 1920 and were made in Chicago. I am not personally aware of a database to cross reference that serial number. But, I know of some fellow members here on the "forum" who can probably pinpoint a "period advertisement" for you. For an off brand, that is usually the best way to "date" a machine.

If you haven't already, post a picture so an advertisement can be located.

Thanks!

There's an ad for this model on ebay -- https://www.ebay.com/itm/404843802963
From what I've been able to find, online, the Vitanola Talking Machine Company was originally located in the American Furniture Mart Building in Chicago, Illinois.

Just for fun, I asked about the company on https://www.perplexity.ai which is an AI based question and answer online tool, and came up with this:

"The Vitanola Talking Machine Company was a phonograph manufacturer founded in 1915 and located at 17 North Wabash Avenue in Chicago, Illinois
. It was one of many companies that emerged during the early 20th century phonograph boom. Vitanola marketed itself as producing "The Phonograph of Marvelous Tone"
. The company aimed to create affordable but high-quality phonographs, boasting in their advertisements that they had become "one of the leading phonograph manufacturers in America" within a few short years .
. By 1920, Vitanola had moved to 508 West 35th Street in Chicago.
. The company produced a range of phonograph models, with prices ranging from $25 to $175 in the early 1920s.
. Vitanola manufactured most components in-house, including motors, tone arms, sound boxes, and cabinets, many under exclusive patents. ( https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archi ... 920-02.pdf )
. Like many off-brand phonograph companies of the era, Vitanola faced challenges in the 1920s. The phonograph market became saturated by 1921, coinciding with a mild economic depression.
. Many such companies, including Vitanola, went out of business by 1925 due to market oversaturation and economic pressures."

I often use Perplexity to do preliminary research for the aviation related articles my partner and I produce. Unlike some AI research tools, I've found it to be pretty accurate. A plus is the fact that footnote jumps to other online material is provided with each statement.

OrthoFan

Thank you for the information. Much appreciated. The one I have looks just like that advertisement other than this one has shorter legs.