I found this QRS model 15 wind-up phonograph at the flea market. She showed me that it worked; but, it has problems. They wanted $150 for it and I managed to get them down to $100. After bringing it home, I realized that I probably still paid too much for it. I've wanted a wind-up portable for a long time; but, they almost never show up around here and when they do show up, they are in really bad shape and overpriced more than this one was.

I was able to play two records on it; but, the mechanism was very noisy. Now, the platter will turn; but, the weight of the tonearm stops the platter. Also, there are some tears in the covering and the only way I know to fix it is to paint over the torn spots. The door on the needle cup is broken off; but, I should be able to find a needle cup somewhere.

There is a metal piece, pictured below, that fell out of the machine. I don't know if this piece is supposed to go with the machine or not.

Anyway, does anyone know anything about this brand or how old this phonograph is?

I cannot tell you how old that player is but doing some searching on the name QRS tells me they where makers of the pianola rolls
( automatic playing pianos) they where doing that mid 20s so i d say your player is brobaly mid 30s.
It sounds like QRS where a big established company.

QRS are indeed pianola roll manufacturers & are still in business today. QRS also had a record label & sold needle tins for a short time (I think in the early to mid 1930s). Your gramophone, although badged as a QRS, appears to have been made by Waters-Conley (Phonola). It's not uncommon to see their machines badged in another companies name, although I only recall seeing one other QRS machine, & it was identical to yours. The records aren't exactly common, so I'd say QRS machines are fairly hard to find too. This may be the only model QRS sold under their name? Unfortunately rarity doesn't always equate to valuable in this game, but it's still an interest part of gramophone & QRS history none the less.

To be truthful, you paid way too much considering condition, etc...........

Bill