The example sold at Miller & Miller (18% buyer’s premium) of New Hamburg, Ontario, Canada, in the March 19 Music Machines, Toys & Advertising auction came with a ‘Standard’ reproducer, rails for listening tubes and one listening tube. Made in the US, c.1890, it was originally sold by Holland Bros, Ottawa, sole importer for Canada.
The item offered here did not have a battery, but that failed to deter bidders: it took Can$30,000 (£18,000) against an estimate of Can$10,000-15,000, the highest price of the auction.
A c.1911 Edison Opera cylinder phonograph, Edison’s top-of-the-line model, famous for its smooth-running motor and self-supporting horn, realised Can$7000 (£4200), on an estimate of Can$3000-4000.
The phonograph boasted a “rich mahogany finish on the case and bronze tiger striping, which added to its air of quality and luxury”, said the saleroom.
'Windshield' jukebox
Rock-Ola Tempo II Model 1478 jukebox – Can$7000 (£4200) at Miller & Miller.
The striking lot also pictured was an original Rock-Ola Tempo II Model 1478 jukebox made in the US, c.1960, which doubled the low estimate to also take Can$7000 (£4200).
It was nicknamed the ‘Windshield’ because it was designed to look like the cars of the era, with big fins and a windshield. The jukebox was in good working order (mono only) and played up to 120 selections of 45 rpm discs.
£1 = Can$1.66
