More information about the Berliner Gramophone
Emile Berliner invented the disc talking machine (his patent name was "Gramophone") in the late 1880s. After successfully manufacturing Gramophones in the USA during the 1890s, Berliner became embroiled in some intense legal wrangling that resulted in him ceding the US rights to his invention to a firm newly created by a former employee, the Victor Talking Machine Company. Berliner himself set up operations in Montreal Canada (though he continued to reside in the USA) to produce similar products. In fact, Berliner manufactured his own variants on the same machines that were sold in the USA by Victor. That is, until about 1910, when Berliner began selling Victor talking machines with little or no modification. This instrument, though technically sold as a "Berliner Gramophone" is in fact a Victor Type "II" (Two) made in Camden, NJ, and the metal ID plate on the front of the cabinet makes no effort to disguise this.
This improved version of the II had an enlarged oak cabinet and other accouterments -- and this particular example is in truly excellent condition. It's the HORN, however, that really seduces the eye! And the riot of intermingling patterns in the quarter-sawn oak is positively entrancing. Victor went all-out with these "Victor II smooth oak horns" to make them each a unique work of art. Cabinet and horn have been scrupulously restored to their original appearance.
We have carefully preserved the original "His Master's Voice" decal on the horn.
On the rear of the cabinet, this name plate identifies the Berliner Company as the distributor.
Furthermore, on the bottom of the cabinet, these notices -- including the serial number typically penciled-in at the upper right. Note also the "Recording Angel" trade mark below. In fact, both the more familiar "His Master's Voice" trade mark, and the little cherub atop a disc record were logos under which Victor instruments were sold around the world. In the USA, the cherub was virtually unknown because of the massive popularity of the dog icon. However, in other parts of the world, the dog and cherub vied for prominence, as seen here.
Vintage quarter-sawn oak. As stated above, Victor was particularly careful in selecting only the most vividly-grained oak.
The black "back-bracket" is in fact a lingering trace of the time when Berliner manufactured his own machines in Canada. The bracket is Canadian-made, very slightly different than the American equivalent, primarily in the shape of the gold pin-striping. The soundbox (needlehead) however is a typical USA "Exhibition" soundbox, which we have meticulously rebuilt and adjusted to produced strong and sweet music.
This stunning instrument entertains today as it did a century ago ! This Victor II looks and plays great!
Price: $3250.00 US, plus shipping and handling. (NY State residents must pay sales tax, if applicable.)
E-mail: phonotim@gmail.com
Telephone: 585-582-1586
FAX: PHONOPHAN, 585-582-2624
US Post: PHONOPHAN
PO Box 747
Henrietta, NY 14467 USA