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Manufacturer: Universal Talking Machine Mfg. of NY
The Universal Talking Machine Mfg. Co. of New York, was founded in 1898 and marketed the Zon-O-Phone, disc record player, until 1904 when the company was bought out by Victor.
Made between 1901-1904, until the addition of the Royal Grand model in 1905, this front mount Grand Opera, with glass viewing window on the back, was the top of the line Zonophone for Universal Talking Machine. Said to be able to play five 10" flat disc records with one winding, the table is 9", green felt covered. The felt is original with one circular streak from wear by the reproducer.
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The 30" original brass horn has a few small dings on the cup, a shallow fold above where it lays on the arm, and mottled tarnishing from 50 or so years of non-use, The horn was shiny when my father acquired it. The connector is an original brass elbow. The crank is original.
Equipped with a red metal Mobley reproducer marked patent May 8, 1900. Although not original, the reproducer (needle holder) is contemporary to the machine, and is often found on the Zonophones, since their original head was quite fragile.
The wood is in wonderful condition, a warm rich reddish brown, with faint age-crazing on the finish; decals are intact with good color. Base of machine measures 13" x 16". The metal platform is embossed with ornate raised lettering and designs; the table turns freely; I find no obvious condition problems. As with other machines, I put lemon oil on the wood, and high quality light sewing machine oil on the mechanism inside. According to Reiss, this is given a 4 out of 5* rarity (fairly rare).
This is another one of my father’s phonographs, which were collected in the late 1950’s-early 1960’s. As far as I know, he made no changes or restorations to this machine. Other than the replacement Mobley reproducer, this phonograph is in excellent original condition.
Currently, this machine is located in northwest Connecticut, convenient to major highways, and can be viewed by appointment. Please email with any questions or for more photos if needed. Buyer is to arrange for shipping or pick-up
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