1949 “Happy Trails/Roy Rogers & Trigger” RCA Victor Record Player

Posted on December 18, 2013 by Hepcats Haven

Mel and I were at Midway Antique Mall stocking our booth with some of our new finds. After we stock we like to cruise the store to see what other dealers have brought in. I was browsing and came across this 1949 RCA Victor “Roy Rogers Happy Trails” record player (model # 9-EY-36, only made for one year) and was so excited when I saw the asking price…….$40 with 15% off! Needless to say I jumped on it.

I LOVE western themed items from the 50’s. Because westerns were so popular with kids from that era it is hard to find items that are not beat to hell because of use. Embellished with Disney Decals on a bakelite cabinet, this style of record player sold for $39 when it’s ordinary brown bakelite cabinet version sold for 19.95. Now that was 1950’s prices. With regular inflation, it would sell now for over $400.

This unit powers on and turns slowly but I will need to have my stereo repair guy take a look at it. As far as case condition I plan to clean it and try to find some touch up paint to cover areas where the Bakelite is showing through. The next thing on my list will be to find some 45’s of Roy Rogers to play on this once it is running good as new.

7 Comments

Posted in Restorations and tagged 1950's, 50's, Dale Evans, Happy Trails: Our Life Story, hip, mid century, RCA Records, retro, Roy Rogers, Trigger, vintage. Bookmark the permalink.

7 responses »

Mary Martire | December 18, 2013 at 6:13 am

The coolest thing I’ve ever seen.

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- Hepcat Restorations | December 18, 2013 at 7:38 pm
  
  Thanks Mary, it will be even cooler when I get is working right!
  
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vic | December 18, 2013 at 6:34 am

Well how the heck did I miss this?! I walk the floors of that store a million times a day (it seems, recently!) and I missed this?!?!? Holy cow! GREAT score. So jealous! You should see Greg about some records – he just might have some

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- Hepcat Restorations | December 18, 2013 at 7:36 pm
  
  Thanks Vic! I’ll hit up Greg about some records. I think when you’re there too long sometimes you get numb to what’s around you.
  
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Kevin | January 5, 2014 at 8:40 pm

I just acquired the exact model today it powers on and hums but doesn’t spin. I need to find a repair man and someone that could put a value on this player.

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Linda Kovelan | November 21, 2018 at 9:16 am

If you ever come across another one, I would love to buy one for my husband who talks about one he received as a gift as a youngster. Thanks.

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- Hepcats Haven | November 21, 2018 at 4:05 pm
  
  Will do, or I’ll let you know if we sell ours.
  
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