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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Terms & Conditions of sale
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