Posted 5 years ago
TreasureTex
(222 items)
I recently purchased this working, Oak case Victrola and it has this label "Ultraphone" in the inside of the cabinet cover.
The Ultraphone was made by Thomas Edison at The National Phonograph Co. in Pittsburgh, PA.
My research tells me that this could not be an Ultraphone phonograph but that it might be a The Montgomery Ward Cecilian Phonograph or a PLAYER TONE phonograph with the wrong tag on it. I just can't be sure who made it. I am guessing that someone restored it many years ago and had a label from a rare machine that they used to bring better profit. The man that sold it to me, got it from his father about 40 years ago and said his father carried it on an airplane from Indiana to Texas. I purchased it advertised as what the label says, Ultraphone but for less than its actual value.
Indeed TTX, the 'fasteners' which now hold the tag on don't look nearly correct at all. Nonetheless -- they are both GORGEOUS examples of 'machine' and 'nameplate', even if they don't really belong together?!! :-) :-) :-)
I have a tall phonograph like yours, though don't remember the maker. The sound on these tall ones can be amazing. I also have an actual table top model Victrola phonograph and the sound is not nearly as good. Nice one and you are set for the end of civilization! I wonder if old 78s are as easy to find s they used to be?
kwqd...I was just able to play one of the supplied records, "BALLAD OF DAVY CROCKETT" by "Tennessee" Ernie Ford, for my two boys aged 2 & 5. I just wish that you could see them dancing end enjoying this old box. It's their 1st experience with records and what a great experience.
Nice Phonograph I had a table top one!!! I wound it up and played a record in the shop and the kids said CD's have come a long way!!!
Stuff
Thanks Stuff..I remember as a kid not getting to touch one that my family had and they wouldn't even play it for me. Now that I have one, my kids get to touch it and listen to it. I just ask that they do it with my supervision so they can learn how to operate it properly. The kids are what it's all about over here.
Thanks to all of you! You're making me want to buy another one while they are still so inexpensive.
A friend of mine was just showing me a very similar phonograph that his grandfather had bought new in 1920. They have the original invoice showing a total of $125.00 for the player and 10 records. Big bucks for 1920!