Phonoland

I have an upright Brunswick Cortez phonograph I would like to sell. It is in excellent condition and has been in family for years. Specs: Model: Cortez, walnut finish, 4 side shelf record holders, brass hardware, serial #159459, Original packing slip stated lot #2780, have lots of needles and about 50 to 60 records. Other numbers found on phonograph are 21848.13 and either February 1923 or 1925 (could not read the date very well)

Is this Brunswick be a Panatrope? It is exactly like the picture of the Cortez in this forum. What is the value and of the Cortez and the value of the records.

LCH

Hi Linda:

I responded to your private message, so please check your inbox. Also, I wanted to point out that there was an earlier post string about the Brunswick Cortez model, which you, and others, may find of interest. (Just click on the following jump):

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=753


Joe_DS

I also have a Cortez with an electric turntable motor instead of a crank. It works great and has a tremendous sound like a Credenza. Is the Cortez a Panatrope? No and yes. The Brunswick Panatrope was originally an all electronic phonograph which could also include a radio. The acoustic Brunswicks were made to compete with Victrola's new Orthophonic machines and like the early Orthophonics, had Spanish or Italian model names. Later, after the Victrolas started using model numbers instead of names, Brunswick did the same. They called the new acoustic phonographs Panatropes also, but added "Exponential Type". The Cortez model was not continued, but they did use the unused cabinets for the new Panatrope electronic models in 1928. As far as what is the Cortez worth, I would say it would lie somewhere near or below what a Credenza is worth, since it is a similar type machine. It is impossible to say what your 60 records are worth without knowing the labels, artists, dates, tunes, condition, etc. Hot jazz and pop tunes from the the 1920's can be worth much more than similar 78s from the 1940s due to demand and rarity.