Please identify Japanese style phono

[antique1973]

The cabinet does not seem to fit the Victor product line. Is this a Brunswick
perhaps?

[FloridaClay]

Some shots showing the inside of the lid, turntable, reproducer, etc. would help.

Clay

[JohnM]

It doesn't look like a Brunny. There were third-tier manufacturers/suppliers who sold gussied-up models as well. It's an off-brand of some kind.

[Jerry B.]

It's not Victor and I don't believe it's Brunswick. I believe it's an off brand but I do like the finish. I have a similarly decorated Victrola and always wondered if it was Chinese or Japanese. I was visited by a collector that was married to a Japanese lady. I asked her if she could identify the decorations. She looked at the front and without hesitation said it was Japanese. But then she looked at the crank side and said it was Chinese. After her inspection I've believe the machines were decorated only in an oriental style. Jerry Blais

[David Spanovich]

I was able to find the ad where that came from.


For $550, it's kind of iffy, unless the seller can provide some clear, detailed photos, or you can inspect it in person, to see if the paint is original or was done by a "bored housewife" (house-husband?) decades after it was manufactured. I agree, it looks like an off-brand model, though I'm wondering how they were able to get away with using volume control doors, since they were still covered by the Victor patents during this period. (Perhaps it came from the UK?)

Looking over the other "for sale" postings on that board, I'd say that the $100 VV-VIII is a much better deal, as is the Orthophonic Colony for $299.

DS

[Jerry B.]

With nothing more than the provided photo, I'd guess it's English. If it's off brand and across to ocean, it was a long way for Victor's legal team to reach out. In my opinion it is much more interesting than another VV-VIII but that's what makes collecting fun. We all have our own opinions. Jerry B.

[antique1973]

It is interesting but true, at that price is a bit steep. I asked for pictures under
the lid so if I get those I will post for positive ID. If it were in fact a Victor I would
make the long drive to pick it up most definitely.

[antique1973]

Here is a shot of the inside. Not the best quality pic.

[antique1973]

Hard to read but the reproducer says "extra sonore". If its original to the machine it must
be European.