Riviera Grande

[Bill Liers]

Hi all,

Has anyone ever seen this cabinet? I had the chance to see one a few years back in the collection of a very old gentleman. I recently asked for a photo but he said he had "lost interest" in such things.

regards, Bill

[Norman S Braithwaite]

Bill:

I am not familiar with a Riviera Grande cabinet for a Scott receiver.  Maybe Ravinia Grande?  I have photos of a Ravinia Grande posted.  It is a somewhat uncommon and desirable cabinet and potentially quite valuable depending on what chassis set is housed in the cabinet.

Norman

[Bill Liers]

Norman,

The radio is owned by a former employee of S.R.L., still very sharp despite his years. He has a number of unusual Scott combinations including a baby quaranta. I spoke to him a few days ago. He is sure about the name and it looks like nothing else I've seen including the Ravina Grande.

The cabinet is over 5 ft tall with speaker at the bottom, record cutter, record player above and A.M. Philharmonic at the top with dial at eye level or thereabouts. The doors cover the upper three sections. Top and sides are curved to the best of my recollection.

I was reminded of it when Ken started the cabinet folder. I'm going to send him a disposable camera and prepaid mailer to see if I can convince him to take a few photos of his collection. I've told him about the forum and those of us who understand how special these radios are. I could tell that he was pleased to hear it.

fingers crossed, Bill

[Norman S Braithwaite]

Bill:

I am unaware of any reference to a Riveria Grande in any Scott cabinet brochures, order forms, or other literature but the Lemke Philharmonic of which I have posted photos is definitely a Scott authored cabinet (almost certainly constructed by Rockford Perfect Furniture Company) without any name or promotion and it is capable of housing the equipment as you describe.  Photos would be most helpful.

More importantly, if this is a former employee some of us have many questions starting with what was his position at EH Scott Radio Laboratories.  Please try to establish a good line of communications with this fellow and let us know how it goes.  If all goes well I will forward any questions that I have through you so as not to overwhelm the fellow.

Norman

[Bill Liers]

Norman,

I also have never seen a reference for a Riviera and also understand that many cabinets were built for custom installations by other furniture makers. This may be such a custom example and as such, a custom name . The gentleman was at technician level and started with Scott around '40. The detective hat is on and will report back with any info I receive,

regards, Bill

[Norman S Braithwaite]

Bill:

Thanks.  I and others here look forward to your reports.

Norman

[Don Hauff]

Norman,

 

I think you meant "Rockford Peerless Furniture Company".  I have a shipping box from them and at one time did a little research on the company that was located in Rockford, IL.

 

Don

Norman S Braithwaite said:

Bill:

Thanks.  I and others here look forward to your reports.

Norman

[Norman S Braithwaite]

Don:

Going from recollection, there was a name change from Rockford Peerless and Rockford Perfect Furniture Company at some time.  I have not looked into details recently but I believe they were the same company.

Norman

[Y2K Bruce]

Here is the Rockford Peerless factory from a year ago. A friend of mine who lives in Rockford took me there.

His wife was from there too and when she was a kid she took piano lessons from the wife of AC Haggstrom, the noted cabinet designer for Scott.

[Bill Liers]

Well,

The mystery is finally solved. Apparently poor long term memory of both parties was to blame for a Ravinia Grande becoming a Riviera. When a visit revealed the truth and I said,"this is a Ravinia Grande". The elderly owner then paused and said,"yea, isn't that what I said?"  The deal was then renegotiated and the new owner is very pleased with his new addition. Photos to come...

-Bill