Interesting Loewe Opta find - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Paul Mathew · 18th Jan 2020, 6:35 am

This interesting "radiogram" came into my possession recently. I can't find specific info on the web for this model, but see some similar looking variations. Removing the chassis and giving it a good dusting and inspection I brought it up to voltage on a variac, and everything is working perfectly. The owner told me that it's been lying unused for some 40 years, and that his grandchildren started using the record slot as a postbox depository! The 45rpm record player is a testament to German engineering, complete with a brush on the underside of the stylus. Markings on the rear are "Voccata Box" and "Type 753W". It is an export model, as denoted by "Importe d' Allemagne", (Import from Germany). It has a selenium rectifier can, and the magic eye is somewhat dull. I will try and track down a decent replacement. I'm guessing late 50's, early 60's?

Peter.N. · 18th Jan 2020, 9:47 am

With a selenium rectifier probably 1950's. Never seen one of those and I was in the trade in the '50s

Peter

'LIVEWIRE?' · 18th Jan 2020, 9:51 am

Is that record deck by any chance the same one as used in the Philips 'AutoMignon' in-car record players produced between about 1957/58 and 1970? The view in photo 2 suggests that it is. These were 45rpm only players. The records used had to have the 1.5" diameter centre hole, and be 'posted' through a slot in the front. The main drawback, other than the short playing time of, at most about 7 minutes with an EP, was the tracking weight (11 grams), which, in the long term, cannot be kind to records.

Vintage_RC · 18th Jan 2020, 10:12 am

Most unusual radiogram, looks like a quality product as you would expect from Loewe, I bet it was expensive back in the day.

bluepilot · 18th Jan 2020, 10:17 am

Interesting. I've seen plenty with the record player on top such as this one, but never built in with a slot on the front.

AC/HL · 18th Jan 2020, 2:28 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'LIVEWIRE?'

...other than the short playing time of, at most about 7 minutes with an EP, was the tracking weight (11 grams), which, in the long term, cannot be kind to records.

On a static instrument perhaps it needn't be so high?

roffe · 18th Jan 2020, 2:46 pm

Being an export model with AM only narrows down the search.This Loewe Opta probably has the same(or similar) chassis.
Only difference is the cabinet and the Mignon player on the front.

This Mignon is basically the same as that used in cars,but it has different springs and motor and no heavy balancing weights.

There were surisingly many radios made with Mignon players.I have a Grundig with the slot on the side.

https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/loewe_...w3d757_w3.html

Tractionist · 18th Jan 2020, 4:24 pm

What a lovely and unusual set - the chassis looks more 'Grundig' to me! Nice find !!

Paul Mathew · 19th Jan 2020, 9:47 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'LIVEWIRE?'

Is that record deck by any chance the same one as used in the Philips 'AutoMignon' in-car record players produced between about 1957/58 and 1970?

Indeed! Apparently the fellow in the pic had one fitted in his car.
https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/philip...g2013d_75.html

My player started dragging today and sounded terrible. I removed the player and discovered the fault was a collapsed rubber bush which had caused the idler wheel to drop and not engage with the turntable correctly. After an easy fix, all is well again.

18th Jan 2020, 6:35 am	#1
Paul Mathew Pentode Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Cape Town, South Africa Posts: 214	Interesting Loewe Opta find This interesting "radiogram" came into my possession recently. I can't find specific info on the web for this model, but see some similar looking variations. Removing the chassis and giving it a good dusting and inspection I brought it up to voltage on a variac, and everything is working perfectly. The owner told me that it's been lying unused for some 40 years, and that his grandchildren started using the record slot as a postbox depository! The 45rpm record player is a testament to German engineering, complete with a brush on the underside of the stylus. Markings on the rear are "Voccata Box" and "Type 753W". It is an export model, as denoted by "Importe d' Allemagne", (Import from Germany). It has a selenium rectifier can, and the magic eye is somewhat dull. I will try and track down a decent replacement. I'm guessing late 50's, early 60's? Attached Thumbnails

18th Jan 2020, 9:47 am	#2
Peter.N. Dekatron Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Charmouth, Dorset, UK. Posts: 3,601	Re: Interesting Loewe Opta find With a selenium rectifier probably 1950's. Never seen one of those and I was in the trade in the '50s Peter

18th Jan 2020, 9:51 am	#3
'LIVEWIRE?' Rest in Peace Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: N.W. Oxfordshire(Chipping Norton) Posts: 7,306	Re: Interesting Loewe Opta find Is that record deck by any chance the same one as used in the Philips 'AutoMignon' in-car record players produced between about 1957/58 and 1970? The view in photo 2 suggests that it is. These were 45rpm only players. The records used had to have the 1.5" diameter centre hole, and be 'posted' through a slot in the front. The main drawback, other than the short playing time of, at most about 7 minutes with an EP, was the tracking weight (11 grams), which, in the long term, cannot be kind to records.

18th Jan 2020, 10:12 am	#4
Vintage_RC Heptode Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Twickenham, London, UK. Posts: 538	Re: Interesting Loewe Opta find Most unusual radiogram, looks like a quality product as you would expect from Loewe, I bet it was expensive back in the day. __________________ Alan G6PUB, BVWS

18th Jan 2020, 10:17 am	#5
bluepilot Heptode Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Duffort, Gers, France Posts: 714	Re: Interesting Loewe Opta find Interesting. I've seen plenty with the record player on top such as this one, but never built in with a slot on the front. __________________ Stuart The golden age is always yesterday - Asa Briggs

18th Jan 2020, 2:46 pm	#7
roffe Hexode Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Linkoping, Sweden Posts: 493	Re: Interesting Loewe Opta find Being an export model with AM only narrows down the search.This Loewe Opta probably has the same(or similar) chassis. Only difference is the cabinet and the Mignon player on the front. This Mignon is basically the same as that used in cars,but it has different springs and motor and no heavy balancing weights. There were surisingly many radios made with Mignon players.I have a Grundig with the slot on the side. https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/loewe_...w3d757_w3.html

18th Jan 2020, 4:24 pm	#8
Tractionist Heptode Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK. Posts: 875	Re: Interesting Loewe Opta find What a lovely and unusual set - the chassis looks more 'Grundig' to me! Nice find !! __________________ Red to red, black to black. Throw the switch and stand well back!