VICTOR "JUNIOR"
The Junior was one of the last external-horn instruments to be added to the venerable Victor roster. It was a straightforward machine, combining elements of the Victor Z with newer developments -- simplifying the on/off and speed controls in a manner that was soon incorporated into other mechanisms, such as the Victor 0 and some of the later Zonophone models. The Junior was intended to be a machine anyone, even children, could enjoy, due to its no-nonsense design. However, coming as it did near the end of external-horn innovation, the Junior sold in lower numbers -- and quite frankly it seldom appears today. Furthermore, because it used a horn and soundbox that were not interchangeable with Victor's other models, the Junior is particularly difficult to find COMPLETE with all it's original components. Our Junior, we are pleased to say, is completely original.
Perhaps THE most important element of the Junior is the "label." Victor instituted an innovative approach by using a label, or decal, instead of the conventional metal ID plate. This, however, would prove troublesome to later generations, since this label was MUCH more susceptible to damage than a metal plate. Look at this one and you will see perhaps the most perfect one ever! Note also the use of the word "Gramophone." You may recall that "Gramophone" had gone out of use in the USA as a designation for a disc talking machine in 1900, after the inventor, Emile Berliner, had been enjoined from using it by a court decision. The rest of the world, however, was unaffected by this ruling, so Gramophone continued in use elsewhere. After 8 years of avoiding it, Victor gave air to the name Gramophone again in the Junior.
Showing the original crank and combined starting lever/speed control. ORIGINAL CABINET FINISH.
Stamped into the top of the cabinet, the serial number -- 850. Since at this point Victor routinely began its numbering at 500, we may consider this to be the 350th Junior to be assembled.
On the bottom of the cabinet, this patent notice, which also lists the serial number in pencil at the top right.
This specially created soundbox was exclusive to the Junior and is one of the most significant components. The horn was also weighted to give better tracking and louder volume. TURNTABLE (8" diameter) FELT IS ORIGINAL.
The horn has its original factory black japanned finish. Horn has a few small dents and ripples, as befit its age. If you are looking for an all original machine, un-messed-up by time or heavy-handed restorations, with a good-playing motor -- this is it!
Price of Victor Junior : $4250.00 plus s/h (NY State residents must add sales tax if applicable).
E-mail: phonotim@gmail.com
Telephone: 585-582-1586
FAX 585 582 2624
US Post: PHONOPHAN
PO Box 747
Henrietta, NY 14467 USA