What is the history on this phonograph?

[ajhuth1877]

I won this beautiful Stradivaria phonograph from Don's last auction.

I looked the name up, but only found one mention of this specific model online.

https://phonographia.com/1919/1919%20Stradivara.jpg

I see that there are many Victor and Columbia look-alikes that they made, but I can't seem to find much info on my model. Interestingly, it doesn't have a horn. At first I assumed that the sound was supposed to reflect off the floor, but I found the remnants of a volume control lever inside the cabinet. I assume that the mechanism that controlled the sound was connected to the horn, and it had to be removed with the horn. I looked under the turntable and saw the OKeh logo. Was the turntable replaced, or is it manufactured by OKeh for Stradivaria?

The serial number is 6818 if that helps. It is full of generic black record albums, and the motor is manufactured by the Meisselbach co., which is located in Newark, NJ.

Thanks in advance for anything you find!

[ChesterCheetah18]

J.A. Compton opened a wholesale and retail piano business in Coshocton Ohio in 1872. In 1904 he became president of the Boston Organ Company, also of Coshocton.
In 1909, Compton partnered with A.O. Price and reorganized the company as the Compton-Price Piano Company producing quality pianos and sheet music cabinets.
Around 1914 the company began producing its own brand of phonographs, the “Stradivara” and ramping down piano production. They manufactured their own cabinets and sourced other parts from outside manufacturers.
In 1921, Compton bought Price’s interest in the company and again reorganized under the name The Stradivara Company. They remained in business until at least the mid-20s.
I think the turntable is probably original, as the OKeh name was owned by the Otto Heineman Manufacturing Company (later General Phonograph Company), a major supplier of parts to “off-brand” phonograph manufacturers. Odd to see it marked “OKeh” though.
Your machine appears to be a “Stradivara Grand” Model 250. Nice looking machine.


Steve

[ajhuth1877]

Thanks for the info!

[ChesterCheetah18]

My pleasure.

Steve

[ChesterCheetah18]

Thanks for the info!

A bit of additional information. In the fall of 1926, Otto Heineman sold his General Phonograph Corporation to Columbia. It was then reorganized as the Okeh Phonograph Corporation and became a semi-autonomous subsidiary of Columbia. My guess is the turntable, at least, was made after that time.

Steve