Model Checking

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MisterGramophone
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Model Checking

Post by MisterGramophone »

Hello. How do I find out the model of a machine I have? Which part should I check? May I have a tutorial for both open horn and closed horn ones? Thanks in advance,
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OrthoFan
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Re: Model Checking

Post by OrthoFan »

There's no tutorial that I know of, but if there is a model ID somewhere on the cabinet--some did not have any, especially many of the "one-off Victrola Clones" produced during the teens into the 1920s (see: https://phonographia.com/Factola/Factol ... nition.htm )--it may take some hunting.

The most obvious place would be on a manufacturer's ID plate, which is normally positioned in the playing compartment by manufacturers such as Victor, Brunswick, etc.. In some cases, it may be found under the turntable. Another place to look is the bottom of the cabinet, or even inside.

If no model ID can be found, oftentimes, you can identify a machine's specific model by doing a web search for ads (via Google Image Search) or in old catalogues such as Sears or Wards, or others. (Doing a Google Book search -- https://books.google.com/ -- can be useful.)

If you have questions concerning the model of a specific phonograph/gramophone, you can also post a few images on this forum. One of the members may be able to identify it.

Wish I could be more helpful.

OrthoFan

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Re: Model Checking

Post by phonogfp »

There's a "PHONOWIZARD" on the APS website:

https://www.antiquephono.org/#/

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MisterGramophone
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Re: Model Checking

Post by MisterGramophone »

OrthoFan wrote: Sun Jun 29, 2025 1:09 pm There's no tutorial that I know of, but if there is a model ID somewhere on the cabinet--some did not have any, especially many of the "one-off Victrola Clones" produced during the teens into the 1920s (see: https://phonographia.com/Factola/Factol ... nition.htm )--it may take some hunting.

The most obvious place would be on a manufacturer's ID plate, which is normally positioned in the playing compartment by manufacturers such as Victor, Brunswick, etc.. In some cases, it may be found under the turntable. Another place to look is the bottom of the cabinet, or even inside.

If no model ID can be found, oftentimes, you can identify a machine's specific model by doing a web search for ads (via Google Image Search) or in old catalogues such as Sears or Wards, or others. (Doing a Google Book search -- https://books.google.com/ -- can be useful.)

If you have questions concerning the model of a specific phonograph/gramophone, you can also post a few images on this forum. One of the members may be able to identify it.

Wish I could be more helpful.

OrthoFan
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Re: Model Checking

Post by Damfino59 »


OrthoFan
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Re: Model Checking

Post by OrthoFan »

I see the MFG plate in the photo:
Screenshot 2025-06-29 121359.jpg

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Re: Model Checking

Post by MisterGramophone »

OrthoFan wrote: Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:17 pm I see the MFG plate in the photo:

Screenshot 2025-06-29 121359.jpg
So? What does that mean? Is it an MFG model?
Last edited by MisterGramophone on Sun Jun 29, 2025 6:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Model Checking

Post by JerryVan »

MisterGramophone wrote: Sun Jun 29, 2025 5:13 pm
OrthoFan wrote: Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:17 pm I see the MFG plate in the photo:

Screenshot 2025-06-29 121359.jpg
So? What does that mean?
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Re: Model Checking

Post by OrthoFan »

MisterGramophone wrote: Sun Jun 29, 2025 5:13 pm
OrthoFan wrote: Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:17 pm I see the MFG plate in the photo:

Screenshot 2025-06-29 121359.jpg
So? What does that mean?
I took a screenshot of the image you posted. I drew the red arrow to indicate what looks like the end of the metal manufacturers plate, which is mostly hidden under the mandrel. It's quite blurry, but you should be able to see it.

"MFG plate" means manufacturer's ID plate. It's a common abbreviation for those of us too lazy to type out "manufacturers." :D

Hope that's clearer.

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Re: Model Checking

Post by MisterGramophone »

OrthoFan wrote: Sun Jun 29, 2025 6:39 pm
MisterGramophone wrote: Sun Jun 29, 2025 5:13 pm
OrthoFan wrote: Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:17 pm I see the MFG plate in the photo:

Screenshot 2025-06-29 121359.jpg
So? What does that mean?
I took a screenshot of the image you posted. I drew the red arrow to indicate what looks like the end of the metal manufacturers plate, which is mostly hidden under the mandrel. It's quite blurry, but you should be able to see it.

"MFG plate" means manufacturer's ID plate. It's a common abbreviation for those of us too lazy to type out "manufacturers." :D

Hope that's clearer.
Oh… manufacturers’ plate. That makes way more sense. I read it, the only info I could find was “Edison”.
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