Who made the changer in this Silvertone radio/78-rpm phono combo?

[radiotvnut]

Here's a model 41 Silvertone table model AM radio/78 rpm record changer that I picked up today. Twenty+ years ago, I had two identical looking models that both had VM 900 series 3-speed changers in them and they looked original.

This one has a 78-rpm single speed changer in it; so, I'm thinking it's one of those models that started off as containing a single speed changer and multi-speed changers were added to later runs of this model.

I haven't decided if I will keep the original changer or add a more modern changer. I'd like to keep this because this model was among some of the first radios I found when I started collecting.

I know I've seen similar record changers to what's in this one; but, don't know who actually made the changer. Can anyone help out with that?

Since photobucket is misbehaving, we'll have to settle on the following video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8So5XX9pAmg

[maxhifi]

Could it be a webster chicago? General Industries may have still made changers then - is it possible?
It doesn't really look like any VM I've seen photos of - but if it's stumping you it's got to be a rare one.

[Celt]

Strikes me as a Webster chewer.

[radiotvnut]

I checked and the chassis number prefix on both the radio chassis and record changer is 135. If we can find what company matches source code 135, we'll be in business.

[radiotvnut]

And, it looks like the winner is Sonora. I also found early 1950 date codes on the remaining Silvertone tubes; which, seems a little late for a radio/phonograph combo which will only play 78 rpm records. I'm sure this was one of the last ones.

[dieseljeep]

Originally Posted by radiotvnut

And, it looks like the winner is Sonora. I also found early 1950 date codes on the remaining Silvertone tubes; which, seems a little late for a radio/phonograph combo which will only play 78 rpm records. I'm sure this was one of the last ones.

I think Sonora only made a few models for Sears. Probably on the lower end of the product line.
There was a super cheapie record changer, made at that time. Aero Metal Products. IIRC, it was made in Chicago.

[KentTeffeteller]

I would agree that this Sonora made Silvertone was likely one of the very last 78 only radio/phono combinations made. Likely an economy model using up older parts to sell them off. And likely marketed to areas where 78 records were still strong or thrifty people. A note, RETMA Code 135 is Chicago Condenser. So, some Chicago area company made this related to Chicago Condenser, Aero Metal Products would be a candidate for the make of that changer.

[cbenham]

Originally Posted by radiotvnut

Here's a model 41 Silvertone table model AM radio/78 rpm record changer that I picked up today.
I know I've seen similar record changers to what's in this one; but, don't know who actually made the changer. Can anyone help out with that?

I identify it as being made by Crescent because of the shape of the arm. It looks just like the arm on wire recorders made by Crescent.

Hope this helps.