Phonographantique Audio Equipment Appraisal

Newcomb Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder

This item is an early model reel-to-reel tape recorder manufactured by Newcomb, an audio products company based in Hollywood, USA. The device features a metallic grey chassis with a distinctive circular component that appears to be a take-up reel or part of the tape transport system, characterized by concentric grooves and a gold-tone metallic finish. The center of this circular component is grey, matching the chassis, with a dark brown or black spindle in the middle. The main body of the unit has a matte grey finish, while the 'NEWCOMB' branding, visible at the bottom of the visible area, is in raised, shiny silver or white letters against a darker grey band. To the right of the tape transport mechanism, there is a perfboard-like area with numerous small, circular perforations, likely for ventilation or aesthetic purposes. A light grey tone arm or lever is also visible on the right side. The unit shows signs of age, with some minor dirt accumulation and light wear visible on the metallic components and the chassis finish, particularly around the edges of the gold-toned circular part. A manufacturer's label is present on the top right, bearing the 'UL' (Underwriters Laboratories) logo, and indicating 'NEWCOMB AUDIO PRODUCTS CO. HOLLYWOOD 38 CALIF. MADE IN U.S.A.' along with a 'SERIAL 62944'. The label also lists electrical specifications: '117 VOLTS 60 CYC. 15 WATTS A.C.' The overall aesthetic suggests a mid-20th century design, likely from the 1950s or 1960s, reflecting the common industrial design of that era for electronic equipment. The craftsmanship appears to be robust and functional, typical of durable audio equipment of its time.