THIS ITEM IS SOLD
Berliner Gramophone, Style "GT"
The influence of the Victor Talking Machine Company of Camden, NJ was far-reaching. A network of Victor affiliates existed around the world that sold related products. Many and sometimes most of the components were imported directly from Victor's NJ plant. The Berliner "GT" was essentially a Victor "Monarch" talking machine sold in Canada. Victor's relationship with Berliner of Canada was complex. Emile Berliner, who ran the Canadian firm in Montreal, had started the Victor company. The two firms remained closely linked for decades. As was frequently the instance with Victor's affiliates, wooden cabinets were produced locally. The eye-catching oak cabinet of this "GT" has "wedding cake" molding that is way more ambitious than any cabinetry used by Victor.
The condition is superb. The medium oak finish is ORIGINAL and veritably untouched by the years. And what a treat it is to find such a beautiful instrument in such clean condition. As you may see above, the use of tiered bottom molding is drop-dead gorgeous.
However, the most notable feature of the cabinet is this ID plate. Berliner seldom used a metal plate with the famous "His Master's Voice" logo on its instruments. The company preferred a smaller metal "shield" with its name. Almost everybody still understands what a "Gramophone" is -- that's how powerful an impact it made on the planet. Furthermore, Berliner favored a logo featuring an angel sitting on top of a disc record which has come to be known as the "Recording Angel."
Sure enough, the little angel appears on this label from the UNDERSIDE of the instrument. For a time during the early part of the 20th century, the Angel trade mark and the "His Master's Voice" trade mark vied for prominence. Very few today remember the plucky cherub "writing" music onto a Gramophone record -- which is a testament to how important the little Victor dog "Nipper" grew in the advertising of talking machines.
The "back bracket" that holds the arm and supports the horn was decorated in a style unique to Berliner of Canada. But please notice the extraordinary condition of all the compnents! The soundbox (needlehead) is a Victor Exhibition. During this period, all soundboxes sold by Victor's affiliates were made in USA. Needless to say, we have restored the soundbox to produce sublime music.
Berliner, using many motor parts imported frrom Victor, came up with its own special version of a "Monarch" double spring motor. A very creative design, and worth studying by anyone interested in how these marvelous music machines are powered. We replaced both mainsprings, so the motor has plenty of power.
This is an excellent example of a rare and stunning instrument. Berliner imported the horns from Victor, and we have meticulously restored the horn to its original appearance.
Price: $1550.00, plus shipping and handling. (NY State residents must pay sales tax, if applicable.)
E-mail: phonotim@gmail.com
Telephone: 585-244-5546