1903 Victor MS Monarch Special Phonograph w/Original 22" Wood Spear Tip Horn

Description

If you're an uncompromising collector of antique technology, make sure to check out all my listings after you look at this one. I don't think you'll find a better, broader or more balanced assortment of technical antiques anywhere -- hundreds of no-reserve auctions each year, almost all of them featuring eye-popping "gee whiz" gadgetry in exceptional original condition. And d
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Here's a beautiful Victor Monarch Special with an original Victor “Spear Tip” horn. The Monarch Special (Type MS) was Victor's flagship phonograph when it was introduced in 1902. It's heavily carved rococo case is perhaps the most beautiful cabinet to ever house an outside horn phonograph.
Condition is excellent, and the phonograph runs well. Early brass motor and gearing. Governor is working properly, and the speed is steady. Plays 2 or more 10″ sides with a single winding.
Oak cabinet retains its original finish, which has been professionally polished, then hand-waxed to a warm glow that looks beautiful in any type of lighting. Corner columns, capitols, and fancy “gingerbread” molding are original and undamaged. No damage and no repairs to the delicate beaded motorboard trim.
Back-bracket enamel is original, as are the decorations. Blue highlights are still visible, and the Japanned finish is still glossy. Clean mechanism, clean turntable.
Exhibition reproducer has been re-built and is loud and dynamic. Turntable felt has been replaced and has no tears or insect damage. The nickeled parts have been re-plated and exhibit no significant tarnish. The phonograph sounds great and presents beautifully.
Original Victor Spear Tip horn is outstanding, with no damage, no repairs, no spliced in sections, no splintered wood, no warping, no rim splits, no issues. Clean collar with nice original nickel-plating. Patent data is blind-stamped into the metal and still legible. Nipper decal is original, and it’s still crisp and clean. Overall this is one of the nicest Spear Tip horns you’re likely to encounter, and — as you can see in the photographs — the original golden oak finish is almost identical to that of the phonograph, so you get a perfect match, not a forced marriage.
Overall, an exceptional 115+ year old Victor that will arrive ready to play an enjoy.  If you've been biding your time, patiently waiting for the "right Victor" to place on a countertop, corner table or sideboard, you may be looking at it.
I'll include with the phonograph an early, acoustically-recorded Victor record, and if you get tired of listening to it, there are plenty of other titles available on ebay and elsewhere.  Thousands of early acoustic 78 RPM records show up on ebay on a weekly basis, and they typically sell for just a few dollars each.
I'm one of ebay's best known, most highly regarded sellers of collector quality phonographs. I've been selling
and shipping them
for more than 25 years. When you purchase an antique phonograph from me, you'll receive a phonograph that arrives safely because it's been carefully packed (by
me
, not by some well-intentioned but nonetheless confounded, doe-eyed teenager working at the UPS store who wouldn't know a phonograph from a farm tool), and you'll receive a phonograph that includes thorough but easy-to-understand set-up and operating instructions, so you won't be left scratching your head, trying to figure out how it works.  Sure, you can probably get a lower price from Joe and Janet Barn-Find, but when your "bargain" arrives broken, and without any hint of how it works or how you might be able to put it back together, you'll realize that you really do get exactly what you pay for.
That's about it.  I will carefully prep everything for shipping and pack everything carefully and properly.  Auction participants with no prior feedback history, or with hidden feedback, should contact me before placing a bid.  Buyer prepays and includes shipping.
NO SHIPPING OUTSIDE THE USA.
On Jul-05-21 at 08:17:10 PDT, seller added the following information:
I REPEAT: CANNOT BE SHIPPED TO ADDRESSES OUTSIDE THE USA. NO EXCEPTIONS. SORRY.