RCA Victor Special portable electric 78rpm record player -- Vassos museum design

[VintageHiFi]

1935 John Vassos iconic Art Deco design. This portable record player made it possible to play music anywhere using a battery-powered amplifier. Interesting that the platter is the older wind-up style and the rebuilt crystal cartridge uses steel needles. Also, the lid contains a compartment for storing records.

Key details about the RCA Victor Special include:
• Design Elements: Features an enameled metal and aluminum case that folds into a sleek, briefcase-like box.
• Functionality: Originally powered by batteries (and later AC) to be entirely portable, allowing people to take their music anywhere.
• Historical Significance: It represents the dawn of portable entertainment and is permanently housed in museum collections, such as the Brooklyn Museum and the Cooper Hewitt.
• Collectibility: Highly sought after, with restored or original models occasionally selling for thousands of dollars at modernist art auctions.

RESTORED... working perfect with battery pack for the amplifier and restored crystal cartridge by West-Tech.

https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/objects/2290

https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/404734417/

[phonogfp]

Price?

 

George P.

[VintageHiFi]

Asking $3,800