Lot 141

1947 Seeburg Symphonola 147 "Trash Can" Jukebox

Estimate: $2,000 - $4,000

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$25 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
For your consideration is this 1947 Seeburg Symphonola 147 "Trash Can" jukebox manufactured by the Seeburg Corporation, or better know as the J.P. Seeburg Piano Company, in Chicago, Illinois in 1947. The J.P. Seeburg Piano Company was established in Chicago, Illinois, in 1902; it started making coin-operated phonographs in the 1920s. In the 1930s and 1940s, Seeburg established itself as a market leader in the jukebox business and was renowned for its cutting-edge designs and excellent sound systems. Seeburg changed the focus of its manufacturing during World War II to produce items for the war effort, and following the end of the war, the business encountered escalating competition from other jukebox producers. But Seeburg kept coming up with new ideas and making excellent jukeboxes well into the 1950s and 1960s. They serve as a reminder of the heyday of jukeboxes and American popular music, and are valued today for their distinctive designs and excellent sound systems. Twenty records can fit inside the Symphonola 147. The jukebox makes use of Seeburg's original Select-O-Matic system, which lets users choose songs by pressing a number of buttons simultaneously. After that, the chosen record is automatically put onto the turntable and started playing through the jukebox's loud speakers. The machine had a cutting-edge sound system as well, with speakers that produced rich, clear sound and a strong amplifier to further better the sound. the jukebox shows a metal construction with a faux wood finish. The top of the record player lifts off, hence the trash can name. Around the front metal speaker grill, is an array of polished, light blue tiles. The top front shows the selection key with written titles in pen, a coin slot and two glass viewers showing which record was playing and which record was selected to play next. The sides show metal red tubes with metal wing decals. The jukebox shows good condition despite its vintage age. Many of the blue tiles have fallen off and the faux wood finish shows some wear from years of use. The top still opens and closes with ease and has a locking mechanism in working order. The interior components have not been looked at. The jukebox has not been tested for functionality as the plug has been cut off. The jukebox measures 27 1/2" L x 36" W x 57" H.