Gloria: An Astounding Off-Brand Phonograph

[phonogfp]

A friend recently discovered what is one of most interesting off-brand machines I've ever seen.  It's labeled "Gloria," and unfortunately has had a later electric turntable installed in it.  My friend is hoping to convert it back, but has been unable to discover any information on the brand.

 

Can anyone here help?

 

[alang]

Wow, are these organ pipes? Do they seem to be part of the horn or just for decoration? 

 

Thanks

Andreas

[audiophile102]

I had thought I had seen every variety of off-brand cabinet phonographs produced.  This one has to be very rare indeed.  I sure hope it gets restored and preserved.  I can't imagine how the organ horn pipes contributed to the sound, but I don't think that cabinet makers were beyond using an eye-catching novelty to sell machines.  Please encourage you friend to appreciate one so special.  Thanks for posting the photo.

[CurtA]

That is a very interesting machine and that cabinet had to be made by a high end furniture manufacturer.  From my experience, these high end cabinets usually were outfitted with readily available generic parts.  I think Sonora parts would look good and not be a problem, if original pictures are not discovered.

 

Just my opinion,

Curt

[CurtA]

George, this might be related...

 

[phonogfp]

My friend finally has taken possession of this phonograph, and it appears the cabinet was made in Quebec.  The mechanism, however, was almost certainly a U.S.-made product.

 

Does anyone have any clue about this strange beast?

 

George P.

[audiophile102]

Here is a beautiful ad from 1918 for the Gloria needle company.  Can't find anything for the phonograph company.

http://onetuberadio.com/2018/04/09/1918-gloria-phonograph-supply-co-ad/

Edited February 15, 2022 by audiophile102
Link didn't work.

[Bruce]

I checked the Canadian Antique Phonograph Society site and their listing of Canadian off brand phonographs with no success.  I suggest you contact them directly to see if anyone with their club has heard of the Gloria

 

What a beautiful machine, well worth the effort to restore it.    Good luck

 

Bruce

[CurtA]

It looks like it has a Canadian patent date of January 24, 1920.  Maybe someone can find that in the Canadian archives and shed some light on this...