by Jane Furlow (MMD 020110)
QRS adverts courtesy Bob Berkman, QRS Music Center
| I bought this phonograph at an auction in Durango, Colorado,
in 1968. My Dad loved "old" things so much and this was a birthday
surprise for him that year. I paid $3.00 for it. It came with
a stack of records and many needles. Inside was a copy of "The Eagle",
a Fraternal Order of the Eagle magazine, dated 1935.
The turntable is 9 inches diameter, and the case is 7 inches high by 15 inches wide by 11.5 inches deep. The color is deep red, almost burgundy. The decal inside says: QRS
Thank you for taking the time to look at this. I do hope your members may find some enjoyment in this challenge. Sincerely,
Bob Berkman, QRS Music Center, Buffalo, NY, wrote to us: "They were made in the very late 1920's and weren't very successful, but they do turn up now and then. We have two different models here, and some advertising ephemera. I seem to recall that one model resembles one of the late Edison portables (same vintage), which suggests a common manufacturer, but I have no further info. Mike Montgomery told me he was seeking a QRS needle packet! I'll be happy to send a photocopy what we've got but much of this material can be found in volume 5 of the Billings Rollography. You should have it!" |
 |
 |
 |
| More photos courtesy Barry Kasindorf. Note the rather square
handle and the two-piece "throw back" tone arm; this spring-motor phonograph
resembles the later QRS electric portable models with the sound port at
the rear.
|
11 January 2002, 12 January 2002