The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

About 4 years ago, I posted a wanted listing on some website -- I don't even remember where now -- for a Kurtzmann phonograph. As fate would have it, I finally received a response from someone in (of course) Buffalo, New York, where Kurtzmanns were made. I don't think that they were marketed outside of Buffalo, and it was unlikely that many survived more than local delivery. Anyway, the model I have purchased is the 'Studio', which has plate glass sides and back on a spindle-legged wooden-frame cabinet and a plate glass motor board and a glass turntable. The motor is electric and visible through the glass. There is also an electric light mounted on the glass motor board. Tres modérne in 1921! I bought it from the family of the original owner and it has the original sales receipt with it -- it cost $235 new in 1921!
I will be picking it up at Union in a month, so don't have any decent photos to post to the board yet. If anyone has any Kurtzmann ephemera or objects such as dusters or tins, I'd be most interested. I'll post photos as soon as I have it in my possession. I've looked for one for 44 years.
I should mention that in the early 1970's, the remaining stock of 'Studio' cabinets was auctioned out of storage and for many years just the glass part of 'Studio' cabinets were commonly found doing duty as display cases in Western New York antiques stores.

I love the quirky uprights. Be sure to show it around before it gets tucked away for the trip home. Jerry Blais

I'm assured that it will be well-packed and I will still have to transport it another 350 miles south, so I don't know if I'll be unpacking it at Union, but if I can, I will. I'm also weary of being confronted by Randy Donley and being suspected of selling machines in the parking lot every time I pick up or deliver one (which is every year) that I bought or sold before Union.

I have several .....etc


Correction: Had, but cannot find those boxes. Further attic-digging is in order...

If you have any phono related ephemera I would be interested in purchasing originals or copies. I spent part of my youth in Buffalo. Went to PS 72 for a while.

There is a patent online for Kurtzmann, is this relevant
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/1447215.pdf

Peter

Yes, Peter, that is the 'Studio' model exactly! Thank you!

Edisone, I've been trying to reach you via email and PM regarding the Kurtzmann items. I'm optimistically unclear on what you mean by "No charge for any of it". Please contact me at your earliest convenience. Thanks!
John

The gentleman whom I engaged to bring the Kurtzmann to Union for me now feels it is too risky to attempt to transport it along with all the stuff he is bringing, so looks like I'll have to run up to Buffalo and pick it up myself, but the earliest opportunity I'll have to do this will be November, so photos will not be as forthcoming as I had hoped. He said he never saw anything like it -- just bringing it across town he nearly had three accidents and two deer jumped out in front of him! He disassembled it for transport, and managed to get it to his place with all glass undamaged in spite of all the near-misses.

If anyone has any Kurtzmann support materials or ephemera you would be willing to share or part with, please contact me -- with an emphasis on contact me.

Thanks again!