* 1904 Victor Monarch

This is a Victor Type M Monarch gramophone built between 1903 and 1906, approximately. Based on the serial number 38749 and the forward mounted crank, I believe it is from around 1904 (best guess). The Victor Monarch was top of the line in 1901 with its twin springs and 10" turntable capable of playing the new 10" Monarch records. Later it was produced in parallel with the Victor III then eventually morphed into the Victor III. It started out as a front mount machine then was changed to a rear mount model. It is not rare but is uncommon and rather collectible.

This particular machine was found in a local antique mall. The story is that the previous owner had a son who,in the 1970's, refinished the wooden box for a school shop class and submitted the entry to the local fair where it won a ribbon. The cabinet had been removed, all but the motor board, and replaced with a well built homemade box. I procured a correct box that had been painted red then brown. I stripped the box and lacquered it to a fairly original form. The finish is not particularly well done and I will someday replace it with a proper box. However, it plays nicely and looks great. I also rebuilt and replaced the No.2 reproducer with the period correct Exhibition reproducer.

The pictures below show some before and after shots.