Phonoland

My Grandparents have a very old crank record player sitting dormant in their lounge, still fully functioning and in decent condition. I've have tried Internet searches to find out more about it, but have been unsuccessful. The only sort of logo on it is a blue 'Rainger' one. See pictures. Any help appreciated. Thanks.

That's one of many off-brand models sold under a variety of names, in the UK market, during the late 1920s through about the mid-1930s. They are normally equipped with Swiss made parts, of good quality, but the cabinets can vary from cheaply made to excellent.

I once owned a similar model, with the same type of components and the record album storage slot on the side. It was branded a "Mastertone." I asked some of our UK based collectors about this several years ago, on this site. Here's the post's jump:

viewtopic.php?f=3&p=5533

As noted, not a lot is known about these.

JDS

Thanks for your reply.

I am a complete beginner on this subject so didn't have the slightest clue about anything.

My grandparents are wanting to get rid of it, and asked me to do the research about it, and find out if it is worth selling or not. With there not being a lot known about it, is it just a case of sticking it on eBay and see what offer comes in for it?

Ebay is probably the best bet. Normally, these don't go for much, but you can track prices and see if anything similar has been sold. The layout of the turntable and record storage compartment is pretty much the same for all of these off-brand models, so that's what to look for when hunting down a similar model--player compartment on the right and record storage pocket on the left, along with a similarly shaped cabinet, and components.

Also, I wanted to point out that in your photo, the reproducer is pointing in the wrong direction. It should be at about the same angle, but pointing forward or towards the front of the cabinet. The way it is now, if you try to play a record, you'll ruin the groove.

HTH,
Joe