THIS ITEM IS SOLD

FIRST VERSION "ELDRIDGE JOHNSON" MONARCH


The introduction of the Monarch Talking Machine in 1901 was a huge step for Eldridge Johnson's newly organized Victor Talking Machine Co.  Johnson had struggled for legitimacy the previous year after narrowly escaping the legal entangements that had beset his former employer Emile Berliner, inventor of the Gramophone.  The Monarch was the first of Johnson's line to have a 10" turntable, and a horn larger than any previous Johnson instrument.  It's distinctive cabinet, with curvy pillars is recognized by collectors today as a highly sought-after icon of the earlist years of Victor.  The condition of this machine is extraordinary, including its original trurntable felt, and original record retaining washer (commonly called a "hold down).  All components are original except for the leather elbow, which is a historically precise replica.



The horn arms, so often replaced witrh copies nowadays, are excellent and original.

The soundbox, which we have meticulously restored and adjusted, is an "Exhibition," newly developed by Johnson from the design of his "New Century" and "Standard" soundboxes of the previous year.


The ID plate, featured Johnson's use of  "Victor" for the first time.

The motor had been developed in 1900 by Johnson's team, and tested out in the Type "C," a smaller instrument.  Note the "barrel" governor weights that had been employed in the very first Gramophones developed by Johnson's former employer, Berliner.  We have carefully restored and adjusted this early motor, with a brand new mainspring, for plenty of power, and a new fiber gear to insure flawless service for decades to come.

The "Johnson" Monarch is an instrument that was a milepost in the development of the talking machine, and this one is in amazing condition.  We stress, this is not an ordinary instrument, it is one of the most important and highly-collectible artifacts of the earliest years of the Victor Talking Machine Co,.

Price: $2450.00,  plus shipping and handling. (NY State residents must pay sales tax, if applicable.)

E-mail: phonotim@gmail.com

Telephone: 585-244-5546  

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