Phonoland

Hi I just bought a rate Sonora artcase model called the jaccobean
it has the hand carved tonearm triple spring gold plated motor
motor meter electric light ect
has the original diamond and saphire needles with it
I know the art models are extreamly rare I never seen one only heard of them
the woordwork is flawless
I know they made 12 models of the art case series
anyone have any info on this model or rarity or value?
I was already offered 1500
I paid 300

I'd grab the $1500 and run. They are basically Swiss parts made by Paillard put in a fancy cabinet. Even though they wouldn't have sold well and could be considered rare, the sound quality wouldn't be any better than Victors cabinet models that use an exhibition soundbox.
The value of this type of machine will largely depend on what it looks like. Some art models are in heavily calved cabinets that are very attractive, while others most collectors find ugly and worth nothing more than firewood.
Without seeing what the machine looks like, & the condition it's in, I doubt anyone would even hassard a guess at value, but $1500 sounds like top dollar for even the most attractive off-brand art models.

Hi,
This one is highly carved, best i ever seen or had in my 15 years of collecting phonographs. Myself i think its worth more than 1500, i mean if you know about these, they only made a handfull of these, for all i know this might be the only one left. They made less than 50 of these models of each in the series, that i did find out, Keep in mind this in 1921 sold for close to 700 or more back then, only the richest of the rich bought these.
This is what i have found out Since then, i can upload a few pics to.
Also the Electric light works to
When you open the lid it automatically comes on. It is made with Circassian Walnut and polychromed Walnut finsh.
The finish on mine is perfect, no missing pieces or anything.
Has all the original needles with it in the case still, Sapphire and diamond tip plus many other steel needles and some Cactus ones.
But i think im going to hold onto it for now, i know there i a collector out there someplace who will pay me top dollar for it im sure. I mean this is a Art Case Model, its not like any typical Victor machine or Columbia Grafonola..

Well--upload pix !--Let us see it --- Ron Rich

i will

Bump

Still hoping to see this Sonora.

Ok
got many pics of this massive gold plated motor and of the machine
I will upload later tonight