1920 Sonora "Supreme" Phonograph Set!

[tccraig]

I own a 1914-1919? Sonora "Supreme" with matching record cabinet and all accessories. Also, the original documentation and manuals. I need a value so I can sell to a museum or serious collector. I heard that there are less than 10 known to exist, and the record cabinet even more rare. If interested please call me or E-mail me. [phone] Thanks, Tom Craig, Lynnwood, Wa. ([e-mail])

P.S. It is in very, very good condition. It needs to be dusted and properly cleaned. All the research that I have done on it, leads me to believe that as a pair with documentation and depending on who the original purchaser is, somewhere around $50,000. The model itself was the highest priced (music-box) available at $1000 in 1914-1915. The record cabinet was $750!. It could be the rarest set in existence. I found the "grand" sold for $4500 on E-Bay and it isn't even close to comparable. I will send you the best pic I can for now, I need to get more pictures. Thanks, Tom

[tccraig]

Well, I guess nobody cares if it's not theirs!

[jamie]

The Sonora Supreme set is a truly rare, impressive ensemble. Sadly this machine does not have the fanatical following of say an Edison Idelia trying to claim one as their own.

Rarity does not always equal big bucks. The collectors who are willing and able to pay the big money for a matched Sonora Supreme Set are few and far between. Many times these "big time" collectors only buy from their own trusted sources.

An E-bay listing would open your machine to the widest audience.
Consignment to an auction house specializing in phonographs/automatic music might also be an option.

Selling this on your own for the big bucks will be pretty hard.

Good luck...

[gerald]

The last Supreme that I am aware of trading hands sold from one knowledgeable seller to another knowledgeable buyer for slightly less than $10,000. It was a mahogany example and did not have the record cabinet. Tom did not mention what type of wood used with his. That could make a difference in value. I sold a very nice mahogany Grand for around $750 so $4500 seems out of line to me. Jerry

[tccraig]

Thanks Jamie and Jerald! I found quite a few grands out there, and that one did have a rare finish which added to its value. I was offered 20k so far(which is great) but being the 2nd true (sold together) set out of Seattle, makes it even more valuable. Not the Seattle part! The Supreme seems to be the only true "rare" model. I have been tracing its previous owners to find out who is the original purchaser. Hopefully someone very prominent and an important part of Seattle's history! I won't sell them for less than $50k at this point and maybe even more with the right history behind it. I know! I'm not being greedy, I just know that this is an amazing find and that I would be a fool to part with them for any less. If I was a collector with available funds, I would pay $50k to have these! If I wasn't in such a bad financial crisis, I would never part with them and I would research the Sonora history to the maximum extent, write the most informative, illustrated book on Sonora and share it with the rest of the world who truly appreciates the Sonora's elegance!

[tccraig]

I can't wait to get to the over 200 record collection that came with it, along with an 18 album collection of Jimmie Rogers, and signed autograph!

[gramophone]

?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

[colocrank]

Put on your knee high boots, it's getting pretty deep in here. I'm still waiting to see some photos.....as if it actually exists.

[roaring20s]

I am interested in learning more about this machine from anyone having information. Tom seems very excited over his acquisition and at the prospect of flipping it. More power to him. It sometimes can be difficult expressing one's self in the written form. It will be made clear as time goes on. That aside, there is little info on the web about it and if anyone can share a bit about it, please do. Sticking to the facts of the unit will make this an informative topic. I have only seen the booklet. Tom, pictures of your machine would indeed be great to see.

James.

[earlyjukeman]

Since this is my first post I will not comment on the originators intent BUT I do have something to contribute so here they are. The pair do not belong to me.

[earlyjukeman]

*modified to include photo - Aux*

[MTPhono]

Thanks for including the pictures...this certainly adds to the discussion (even if it's not the pair we are discussing).

A very elegant combination...but $50K???

[kirkster]

Scans from the old Sonora catalog.

[tccraig]

I'm working on pictures tonight and have a professional appraiser coming by tomorrow at 6pm. Maybe that will shed some light, or not. It looks as if I'll be shipping her over to the east coast to one of the better auction houses. Great pictures earlyjukeman! I'm having a hard time uploading pictures to this post. I don't know what hosting it does? but, I tried. Those look like the other set that I'm referring to. Mine are identical, although I don't recall seeing an electric light on his. inside the phono's lid. There are 3 light total. One on the top, one in the grill and one in the record storage space below. Is that the set from Bob Johnsons set? (MrVictor). Back soon! Thanks all for your input. Tom

[gerald]

It would be interesting to hear what the "professional appraiser" says. Personally, I can think of tons of phono items that I'd rather have for $50,000. Anyone have $$$ to loan me and we'll find out what it buys? As for appraisers... I'd go with the experienced members on this forum. I would expect the pair in the photos to sell for less than $20,000 at Union or ebay or any east coast auction house, but I could be wrong. Others?