Known more for its nickname the ‘Peacock’ than it was for its model number, the 1941 Wurlitzer 850 is such a rare bird that no manual for it was ever published. 

The ‘Peacock’ was the first jukebox to utilise polaroid film in the cabinet display and was also notable for being the first one to use an electrical rather than a mechanical selector. 

The centre panel is a walnut framed glass shield depicting two peacocks perched on a branch and behind this a polarising unit spins two circular discs of film which are lit from within. The rotation causes the peacocks change to colour before your eyes and the effect is quite mesmerising.

Amongst the high quality woods used on the cabinet is a special blonde veneer which was also used on the dashboard of the 1941 Cadillac. Art nouveau inspired nickel detailing swoops down the sides of the machine and also provides an elegant cover for the front speaker. This example features the original stained glass panels and has been painstakingly restored by our experts here in the UK.

The 850 is a large machine but it signalled a new era in jukebox aesthetics, and despite its capacity of just 24 x 78rpm records it raised the bar for every model that followed. A rare and much coveted find in today’s marketplace the Peacock is without doubt one of the most collectable pieces that has ever passed through our hands.

Music and Title Cards Pricing

Music itself is an important part of our business, as reflected by our treasured vinyl library, so we are able to help you source and create the perfect playlist. We also make all of the title cards in original typewriter font – so if you’re a bit stuck for choice, we are only too happy to help!

The charge for vintage records is £15 + VAT per record, this covers most records however some are highly collectable for which we have to pay a premium and are charged at a higher price. The title card service is £120 + VAT for a handmade set regardless of the selection quantity.

It is quite an involved process to supply records as we buy them in from dealers or collectors, they will only guarantee the "A" side, so often many records do not pass with us because we always supply records with playable "B" sides as well as the "A".

The centres are then cut (big hole centres) which also leads to some breakage as some of the records split due to their age. Finally they are hand washed and then played both "A" and "B" side on a gramophone for sound quality, only then are they fit to go on the Jukebox. The final check is again playing "A" and "B" side as you would hear it on your Jukebox.

It's all about delivering good quality sound for our clients and if you are investing in a vinyl jukebox the standard of the records have to demonstrate the high standard of our restorations.

Please contact us if you are interested in this service.