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Post by jackbear on Jun 13, 2013 13:43:12 GMT -6
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Post by phonogfp on Jun 13, 2013 16:37:25 GMT -6
Well... It's a Victor shipping crate, originally meant to protect a Victor during transport from factory to retailer. The horn was shipped in a separate crate. The serial number (32430) was the serial number of the machine. If you look very carefully on all sides of the crate, you may find light ink-stamped information on the model and the sound box with which it was equipped. I have a couple of these, both stamped "Exhibition" (sound box) and "2" (for Victor II).
The penciled inscription mentioning Edison records was added later - possibly many decades later - by someone using the crate to store records.
Personally, I like early shipping crates, but not everyone does. I've had collectors GIVE them to me, so value is entirely in the eyes of the possessor.
George P.
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Post by jackbear on Jun 13, 2013 18:26:55 GMT -6
George,
Thanks for your reply! I thought it would have been for records but your description makes far more sense. I looked for an additional stamp and found an area on the side not pictured where something got scribbled out in pencil, then slightly chiseled out, so nothing to read there, but likely where the model name could have been.
Love the history that even a box can teach you. Weird that the letters in the logo look stamped on hard enough to leave an impression, but no sign at all that the A in MASTER ever was imprinted on the box.
Can the serial number tell me at all about what machine was inside?
Jack
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Post by phonogfp on Jun 13, 2013 19:10:41 GMT -6
I've seen a number of crates where the markings were incomplete. Possibly due to irregularities in the surface of the wood at the time - - I don't know.
The serial number can't really tell us much about what was inside, unless it's a very high number. That would rule out any model whose production didn't reach the number on the crate. In the case of 32,430, this would eliminate only the Victor VI and the Junior. The crate is somewhat small, so that would probably rule out the V as well. Statistically, between the remaining Victors I-IV, the II was the biggest seller, but they all sold in excess of 32,000 so lacking other legible markings, your guess is as good as mine.
If you can provide the outside dimensions, I'll compare them to the marked examples I have here and perhaps we can narrow it down further.
George P.
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