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Polk portable

Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2011 6:36 pm
by lakesideglenn
Happy Holidays to all my fellow wind-up phono fans!
Does anybody know anything about Polk suitcase portables? I just won one on ebay and should have it in a day or so. Any history or info much appreciated!
Cheers!
Glenn

Re: Polk portable

Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2011 6:58 pm
by JohnM
They were sold by the James K. Polk department stores, a regional chain operating in the southern Appalachians and based out of North Carolina, I think. Maybe Knoxville or Chattanooga, I can't recall. Polk portables are pretty common in the mountains.

Re: Polk portable

Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2011 7:25 pm
by estott
The ones I've seen are pretty decently made, but they're nothing unusual and were probably built by Prime or Watters-Conley. Some are pretty flashy with gold colored stamped designs contrasting with colored imitation leather. If it has a pot metal arm treat it carefully.

Re: Polk portable

Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2011 7:26 pm
by David Spanovich
Is it this snazzy looking red one?
Polk Ebay Auction.JPG
Polk1.JPG
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Polk2.JPG
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Polk3.JPG
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That probably dates from around the early to mid-1940s.

I had a similar model made by Birch. Once the soundbox was restored with fresh rubber gaskets it sounded great.

DS

Re: Polk portable

Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2011 8:37 pm
by estott
That's a very snappy one, and I'd say it's made by Prime mfg of Milwaukee and should have a decently long horn which wraps around the motor. These machines can put out a decent sound if the soundbox is in good shape.

Re: Polk portable

Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2011 6:52 am
by lakesideglenn
That's the one. I'm picking it up this afternoon and will post a review once I check it out. Seemed like a pretty good deal for $59, especially since I can try before I buy.
Stay tuned!