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Magnavox Collaro: looking for information on this stereo

Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2016 12:02 am
by tpoltera
Hello everyone!

So my roommate and I came across a very handsome Magnavox Collar with all the original interior and works beautifully. We have the serial number and model number, even the make number but we were hoping to get some more information on this beautiful piece.

Serial Number: 17936
Model Number: W611-01-01
Make number: 01

All of the interior parts have the brand name Magnavox on them as well as we have the paperwork showing that all the parts originated from Magnavox. We are hoping to find out a background history on this specific Vintage Stereo and possibly find out its value if possible.

Re: Magnavox Collaro: looking for information on this stereo

Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2016 5:55 am
by MattTech
tpoltera wrote:Hello everyone!

So my roommate and I came across a very handsome Magnavox Collar with all the original interior and works beautifully. We have the serial number and model number, even the make number but we were hoping to get some more information on this beautiful piece.

Serial Number: 17936
Model Number: W611-01-01
Make number: 01

All of the interior parts have the brand name Magnavox on them as well as we have the paperwork showing that all the parts originated from Magnavox. We are hoping to find out a background history on this specific Vintage Stereo and possibly find out its value if possible.


Photos would help.
And as I have mentioned MANY times to people about "serial numbers" - it is of no real importance.
SERIAL numbers are merely a number given to a product that references its "place" during the manufacturing of many others of the same MODEL number.
For instance - S/N 00500 could be the 500th of that model made in total, over several years.
Again, of really no importance.

The "MODEL" number you've given is of the COLLARO record changer chassis itself - again, produced over a dozen years or so.

I assume the actual unit including the cabinet, electronics, etc is a console unit.
That would have a MODEL number starting with 2ST, 1ST, etc. etc.
A given model could be made over several years however.
The paperwork would have clues and information about it, if taken the time and read through.

Value? - anywhere from $10 on up, and if "as is" unrestored, it will require mandatory restoration - otherwise it's a ticking time bomb till failure happens.
Don't trust the "works beautifully", because it's still 50+ years old - you wouldn't drive a 1960's car on the highway that old with "original" tires and motor oil, would you, and feel safe?
Vintage electronics MUST be checked over and have deteriorated parts replaced for safety.

I've had enough stereos come through the shop here that have "smoked" and "fried" due to people assuming they are "in working order".

Re: Magnavox Collaro: looking for information on this stereo

Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2016 4:04 pm
by Ron Rich
Hey Mattie,
I agree that mostly, the serial number makes no difference--however, there were/are some manufactures that indicate changes done during production, via serial numbers. The company I worked for used serial numbers till the mid 50's, and indicate any changes as "above/below SN xxxx", in the schematics. After that, the started using "Code letters" to designate a change in production (Code A-B---). Ron Rich

Re: Magnavox Collaro: looking for information on this stereo

Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2016 4:17 pm
by MattTech
Ron Rich wrote:Hey Mattie,
I agree that mostly, the serial number makes no difference--however, there were/are some manufactures that indicate changes done during production, via serial numbers. The company I worked for used serial numbers till the mid 50's, and indicate any changes as "above/below SN xxxx", in the schematics. After that, the started using "Code letters" to designate a change in production (Code A-B---). Ron Rich


Yes Ronnie, all that is correct.
However, I doubt the OP or others asking for info on these living room beasts really care about design changes during manufacture. :lol: