Pantages "Maestro Music" Art Deco Remote Wired Music Speaker Selector

Rare + Stately Speaker Manufactured by Rodney Pantages Co, Hollywood, CA.

Ref: O262

Rare Pantages Maestro Music Art Deco 1940's Remote Wired Music Speaker Selector. This incredible Art Deco speaker selector was manufactured by Rodney Pantages Co, Hollywood, CA.

Red glass panels behind the "Maestro Music" pilasters give it a warm glow. This example is one of only two known to exist + makes for a unique piece for the Art Deco, jukebox or coin operated collector.

Rodney Pantages was son of the theater magnate Alexander Pantages of Pantages movie theater fame. Rodney entered the wired jukebox market with Maestro Your-Choice-By-Voice system in autumn of 1940. He later made cabinets for the system offering a program of not less than 2,000 music selections. The influence of the theater business can be seen in the design of the Maestro Music speaker selector.  Looks like a large wall sconce seen in Art Deco movie theaters.

This innovative music selection speaker device was connected to remote location (see picture) that transmitted over telephone lines. Depositing 10¢ for 1 song or 25¢ for 3 would connect you to the operator by microphone for your song selection. Selection would then be played on a turntable and transmitted to the speaker by telephone line. Was part of "system" that consisted of counter boxes for table or on bar, and a large mirrored unit. Songs titles were listed on sheets handed out to patrons at bar, and tables. Melody Lane restaurant, Hollywood, CA, was Pantages most famous installation of the "Maestro Music" system.

Unique concept for the 1940's, wireless music!

Speaker selector has been restored to original condition.  This stately Art Deco piece of coin-op history measures: 31" high by 14" wide by 9" deep.