VICTOR "Royal"
The Victor "Royal" has the classic look of the iconic "His Master's Voice" logo. It belongs to the genre of instrument which conforms to the "front-mounted" configuration.
"Front-mounted" machines employ a metal support and a wooden "traveling arm" to secure the horn and soundbox (needlehead). In the instance of the Victor R, some of the components were give a quirky finish popular in hardware at the time known as "oxidized bronze." You may appreciate here, gracing the support arm, the fanciful patterns of the "oxidized" decorative treatment. It is fascinating to contemplate that each one of these arms is somewhat different -- they were prepared by artisans in the Victor factory one at a time. The wooden arm is a spot-on, historically perfect replica. The horn, of course is an original Victor component, and so is the soundbox. It's also worth pointing out the winding crank -- the Royal used a very special and specific crank, and this one is original. Not all the Royal hardware was oxidized, consistent with Victor's original design -- the crank, hardware of the wooden arm, soundbox and turntable were all nickel-plated.
This machine is actually quite a rarity. Here's the reason why -- as Victor evolved its models, they switched from the original "front-mounted" configuration to a "back-mounted" design, where the horn was suspended over the top of the cabinet. This little plate is evidence of the intention of the company to offer the Royal with a "Taper Arm" backed-mounted horn arrangement. The historical importance of this, however, is that THE VICTOR COMPANY NEVER IN FACT ISSUED THE ROYAL WITH A "TAPER ARM." The use of this particular plate must have been extremely limited, only for a short period of time, making this a very rare artifact!
You can also see here further evidence of the "oxidizing" of the hardware. The finish of the oak cabinet is original, in the characteristic "cinnamon" color of the Royal.
The Victor Royal, though modest in size, will play clean 10" 78 records, some of which we are happy to supply with the machine.
As an option, see below, we are offering the Victor Royal with a fine plaster replica "Nipper" dog in plaster. Re-create the famous His Master's Voice logo in your home!
Price of Victor Royal (without dog): $1350.00 plus s/h (NY State residents must add sales tax if applicable).
OR
Price of Victor Royal with accurate plaster replica of "Nipper" the world-famous fox terrier : $1450.00 plus s/h (NY State residents must add sales tax if applicable).
E-mail: phonotim@gmail.com
Telephone: 585-244-5546
US Post: PHONOPHAN
PO Box 747
Henrietta, NY 14467 USA
Click here for Terms & Conditions of sale