Ah, Dan! A genuine Rock-Ola Model SUP-4 Series D jukebox is like catching a shooting star from the golden age of American design. Sporting gallant Art Deco curves with walnut veneer panels and those eye-catching marbled orange Bakelite columns, it epitomizes the vibrant flair of prewar America. I'll label its condition as "Very Good," with only minor wear and the endearing scuffs typical for its vintage Bakelite components. While the inner musical workings remain a mystery, externally, it's a splendid symphony of authentic details, singing the praises of Streamline Moderne aesthetics. Indeed, this piece likely spun music in its prime, just as it now spins nostalgia for jukebox aficionados and devout Deco devotees alike.
Used for this report's TTS and avatar presentation.
Item Report
Rock-Ola Model SUP-4 Series D Art Deco Jukebox
By:Rock-Ola Manufacturing Corporation (Rock-Ola Mfg. Corp.), Chicago, Illinois, USA
Style:Art Deco / Streamline Moderne
Origin:United States
Materials:Walnut veneer, catalin/Bakelite, aluminum, glass, painted metal
Age:circa 1939–1941
Condition:Very Good (minor wear to finish, slight cracks and scuffs on Bakelite, appears complete with original tags, function not tested)
Value:$4,000–$9,000 (auction liquidation value, depending on completeness, condition, and functionality)
Maker's Marks / Writing:PRODUCT OF ROCK-OLA MFG. CORP., CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, SERIES 'D' TYPE SUP-4, various patent numbers, 440 WATTS 117 VOLTS A.C. 60 CYCLES, Rock-Ola MFG. CORP., CHICAGO, U.S.A.
Date:2025-06-25 16:34:21.975173
Description:
This is an original Rock-Ola Model SUP-4 Series D jukebox from the late 1930s to early 1940s. The jukebox features beautiful Art Deco styling with curving walnut veneer panels, brightly colored orange catalin or Bakelite side columns, and polished cast aluminum grillework. The front display includes illuminated song selector panels, red-lit selection buttons, and a panel with push buttons and operational indicators. The piece also wears its manufacturer's plaque from Rock-Ola Manufacturing Corporation of Chicago, a name famous for mid-century and prewar American jukeboxes. This is a key piece of Americana and music history, reflecting both the technological and stylistic innovations of the era.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
A classic and highly collectible example of prewar American Art Deco jukebox design, this Rock-Ola Model SUP-4 Series D combines advanced technology of its time with splendid visual presence. Its symmetrical chrome grillwork, bold marbled orange side panels, and wood veneer exemplify the Streamline Moderne aesthetic prized by collectors. The presence of an original Rock-Ola manufacturer’s plate confirms authenticity. Light external wear is consistent with age, but no evidence of crude restoration or conversion. If the mechanism and lighting are operational, value is maximized. A word about fakes: While jukeboxes are sometimes rebuilt with reproduction parts, the construction and period-correct finish here suggest originality, though internal and operational authenticity cannot be confirmed from photos alone. Mid-Century Modern Marilyn reporting!
Individual Images:
Close-ups show excellent detail of the original selector
Bakelite or catalin side paneling with typical marbling
chrome accents
and manufacturer’s plaque. The visible manufacturer’s plate on the rear verifies production by Rock-Ola
showing a match between external styling and internal labels. No visible signs of modern tampering or reproduction
but full internal inspection not shown. The orange marbled side panels show minor scuffs and possible light surface crack
which is common for Bakelite/catalin of the period.
Provenance:
No supplemental sales receipts or ownership documentation visible in images.
Condition:
Very Good (minor wear to finish, slight cracks and scuffs on Bakelite, appears complete with original tags, function not tested)
Identification Score: 98%
The model, styling, and manufacturer's information are shown clearly in the images, with the plaque referencing Rock-Ola Mfg. Corp. SUP-4 Series D. The grille design, selector arrangement, and orange Bakelite panels match historical records.
Authenticity Score: 85%
Based on the cabinetry, period hardware, and original manufacturer’s tag visible, this appears to be an authentic period jukebox. However, without confirming the originality of internal workings (which are sometimes replaced or refurbished), there is a possibility of some replaced parts typical for items of this age. The finish and visible hardware all comport with original examples—no immediate signs of modern reproduction.
Image Memory Note
The object is a large, vertical jukebox with cylindrical, orange-marbled catalin/Bakelite side columns and a domed wood-grain top. Front features include chrome grillework, a control panel with illuminated song selectors (numbers 1-20), red selector buttons, and a horizontal row of control switches. Cast manufacturer’s plate on the rear reads 'PRODUCT OF ROCK-OLA MFG. CORP., CHICAGO, ILLINOIS', Series 'D', Type SUP-4, and provides many U.S. and Canadian patent numbers. Lower plaque provides electrical information: 440 Watts, 117 Volts A.C., 60 Cycles. Slightly cracked and worn orange side panel, light scuffing on wood near chrome areas. No missing knobs or obvious damage to external trim. No visible provenance or restoration documentation in the images. This model is visually consistent with documented Rock-Ola Art Deco jukeboxes from 1939-1941; orange catalin, wood veneer, and metal accents are all period-appropriate.
Keywords
Rock-Ola, Art Deco, Streamline Moderne, jukebox, 1930s, 1940s, American, walnut, Bakelite, Chicago, collectible, music, Americana
The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.
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