Featured Phonograph: Sonora Invincible

[audiophile102]

Model:Sonora Invincible
Serial #: 190603
Year(s) Made: 1916
Original Cost: No. 1 $375. Mahogany (Special Order Cireassin or American Walnut $30 extra)
Case/Cabinet Size: Width 24 inches, Height 52 inches, depth 24 inches
Turntable: 12-Inch
Reproducer/Sound-Box: Sonora, with swiveling arm assembly to play lateral and vertical cut discs. 
Motor: Extra Heavy, Triple Spring, Gold Plated, Swiss made Plays Nearly 45 Minutes or Fifteen 10 inch Records.
Horn Dimensions: Internal
Reproduction Parts: None
Current Value: $800.00 (NFS)
Interesting Facts: A brief history of the Sonora Invincible Phonograph with its famous Bulge sided Ornate Cabinet, and other unique Features. Sonora was founded in the early 19teens and offered this unique style of Cabinetry on its top of the line models such as the Supreme, Invincible, Grand, Elite, and Baby Grand. Each machine came with an Official Sonora Guarantee Certificate, which protected the Phonograph against any material defects for 1 year. Each certificate contained the facsimile signature of George Brightman, the President of Sonora, and on the reverse side was proudly listed all of the patents and their origins under which Sonora produced its phonographs. The Cabinets also had the Sonora Patented Record Storage just below the horn, as well as a handy pull out Storage drawer where you could keep a few more rcords.  Sonora's Bulge sided Cabinets were made and patented by The Herzog Art Cabinet Co. of Saginaw Michigan, a Company which was started by John Herzog back around the turn of the last century and specialized in the manufacture of artistic furniture, Cabinets, and also made early Cylinder storage cabinets for the Then fledgling Phonograph Industry. It's most remembered design were these famous bulge sided cabinets which were offered by Sonora. Sonora later moved its production facilities to Saginaw in 1917, and two years later purchased the entire facilities owned and operated by John Herzog. Herzog was so proud and enamored to his bulge sided cabinet design, that he modeled the porch on his Home in Saginaw after it, and also had his Gardeners trim some of the huge hedges on his estate in that shape as well. The Sonora Co. continued its success into the 1920's but when with the great depression of 1929, and record and phonograph sales soon falling to but a small fraction of pre depression numbers, the Company went bankrupt in 1930.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited 23 hours ago by RodPickett
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[Jerry]

Could this cabinet design be referred to as "Bombe"? Did Sonora ever use that term? I see that in the 1915 "Talking Machine World" they refer to it as "the bulge design."

 

 

https://www.worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Music/Archive-Talking-Machine-IDX/IDX/10s/Talking-Machine-1915-06-OCR-Page-0045.pdf#search="sonora invincible"

 

(The link borrowed from a 2015 TMF post by BenjaminL.)

 

 

 

 

 

Edited 16 hours ago by Jerry

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Origin of Bombe Cabinets

Bombe cabinets originated in France during the 18th century. The term "bombe" comes from the French word meaning "to bulge," which aptly describes the furniture's distinctive outward curved shape. This design was particularly popular during the Baroque and Rococo periods, known for its elegance and fluidity.

Adoption in America

Boston's Influence

In America, the bombe style was notably embraced by craftsmen in Boston. The city became a center for producing bombe furniture, characterized by its unique design and skilled craftsmanship. Boston bombe furniture is recognized for its refined aesthetic, combining local Puritan influences with the cosmopolitan trends of the time.

Characteristics of American Bombe Cabinets

American bombe cabinets typically feature:

Curved Front and Sides: The signature bulging shape that distinguishes bombe furniture.

Craftsmanship: High-quality construction, often with intricate details and decorative elements.

Functional Design: Increased storage space due to the expanded middle section.

Cultural Significance

Bombe cabinets not only served practical purposes but also reflected the artistic trends of their time. They symbolize a blend of European styles and American craftsmanship, showcasing the evolution of furniture design from the 18th century to the present day. Today, bombe cabinets remain popular for their historical charm and aesthetic appeal in various interior design settings.