The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi my name is Brian and I am a "newbie" but not new to collecting talking machines - mainly Edison machines since I grew up down the road a piece from the Edison factory in West Orange New Jersey. I recently bought a few machines from a fellow in Jersey that were in mint working condition, yet I do not know the history of these small, single spring motor phonographs. One is a Harmony, and the other is a Symphony made in Chicago. They both have large spindles but one is larger than the other. Very well made cabinets but small single spring cheapo motors. Can someone direct me to more historical information about this company and it's machines? They both say United Talking Machine Co. Chicago on their decals. They both have enclosed horns and they are both made of nice grain oak wood with attention to trim mouldings - very nice cabinets.

One of Fabrizio and Paul's phonograph books has a section on Chicago machines. I can't remember which one (sorry George). I'd highly recommend purchasing that one (and the others), to get more information. I'm sure George will graciously let us know which one of the books it is in.

Steve

Here's a previous thread discussing these types of machines:

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... ines#p6938

schweg wrote:One of Fabrizio and Paul's phonograph books has a section on Chicago machines. I can't remember which one (sorry George). I'd highly recommend purchasing that one (and the others), to get more information. I'm sure George will graciously let us know which one of the books it is in.

Steve

Thanks, Steve, for the reminder! The background behind the various Chicago firms can be found in The Talking Machine Compendium, starting on page 132. Also in Discovering Antique Phonographs, beginning on page 83. Both books feature illustrations of typical machines and some odd transitional models as well.

George P.

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your newly acquired phonographs. The records for these machines are out there, but may be a challenge to locate. Good luck with the new machines!

Hello everyone!
I'm newbie to this forum as well. It is such a great pleasure to meet you here! My name is Beth and I'm from Seattle!
Have a beautiful day

Welcome, Beth. It's always nice to greet a female phonograph collector. You're a rarity! We do have a very few others...

George P.

Beth wrote:Hello everyone!
I'm newbie to this forum as well. It is such a great pleasure to meet you here! My name is Beth and I'm from Seattle!
Have a beautiful day

your signature looks like spam to me.

+1

Hy. all I am also new in talking mac forum. Hope I will learn a lot form here.
Thanks