SEEBURG - M100B Jukebox

An authentic masterpiece of American engineering and design from the Golden Age. Released in 1950, the Seeburg M100B is not merely a jukebox: it is the historic machine that inaugurated the modern era of musical reproduction in diners and venues across America, becoming the visual symbol of the first Rock 'n' Roll.

Powered vintage jukebox already wired for European 220V mains. The unit was serviced about 20 years ago and subsequently kept in a domestic environment without being used. When connected to power it powers up regularly: the motors start, the mechanism begins to move, and the original valve amplifier shows signs of warm operation. Due to the long period of inactivity, the mechanism requires normal routine cleaning and lubrication (a standard conservative service) to optimize the smoothness of the selections. It is being sold as an original vintage specimen to be refurbished, representing a perfect and complete auction base for collectors or enthusiasts.
Seeburg M100B "The B" (1950): The Legend That Revolutionized Music History

Anatomy and Detailed Analysis of the Object:

1. The Visible Mechanism (The Panoramic Dome):

The upper part is dominated by a spectacular curved glass dome that showcases the legendary Select-O-Matic mechanism. Unlike hidden systems, here the mechanical act becomes a show: the electromechanical carriage slides horizontally, selects the vinyl and places it on the turntable before the spectator’s astonished eyes.

2. The Title Panel (Titler Board):

Just below the dome unfolds the large serigraphy with the carousel of title cards (100 selections divided by musical genre). The original warm yellow-orange graphic framing perfectly the catalog of tracks.

3. The Front Keyboard and Coin Mechanism:

In the center of the mid-band stands the iconic two-tone alphanumeric keyboard A B C D E F G H J K / 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10, flanked on the right by the original coin slot and the coin return mechanism.

4. The Iconic Two-Tone Front Grille:

The lower section features the famous Coral Orange and Cream contoured frame, a pure mid-century color explosion. The speaker grille is protected by elegant horizontal slats mirrored to reflect light, creating a warm and imposing visual architecture.

For an experienced collector, the M100B represents the true technological and stylistic turning point compared to contemporaries (Wurlitzer, Rock-Ola, AMI):

The First Jukebox in History Designed for 45 RPM:

While previous models (including the 1948 Seeburg M100A) played old and fragile wax/ shellac 78 RPM records, the M100B was the world’s very first jukebox designed specifically for 45 RPM vinyl (the 7-inch singles) format launched by RCA in 1949.

Re-centering Capacity (100 Selections):

At its release, competing machines offered at most 20 or 24 selections. The Seeburg M100B quintupled the musical choice, allowing 50 records to be loaded and enabling play of both Side A and Side B.

Unbeatable Mechanical Reliability:

The horizontally sliding operator carriage designed by Seeburg was vastly more reliable, smoother, and gentler on vinyl than the intricate vertical ring arms of Wurlitzer jukeboxes.

unmistakable Diner Aesthetics:

While late-1950s models integrated too much plastic or squared glass in a car-styled fashion, the M100B preserves the perfect balance between the warmth of wood, the louvered metal grille, and the Streamline-inspired panoramic glass magic.

Decor Value and Collectability:
An impactful functional art piece. Placed in a salon, a design tavern, or a high-end arcade, the Seeburg M100B not only captures attention as a vintage illuminated sculpture but also offers the tactile and auditory pleasure of listening to genuine vintage vinyl.

Detailed Internal Mechanism Description (Select-O-Matic 100)
Looking through the panoramic glass dome, the interior reveals the engineering heart of the J.P. Seeburg Corporation preserved in its original configuration:

The Operator Carriage and Original Carter:

In the center stands the horizontal electromechanical carriage, protected by its original cream/ivory finish housing. Prominently displayed is the vintage decal reading "100 Select-o-matic Mechanism," whose gold-toned aged graphics are intact and confirm there have been no modern refinishes or replacements.

The 45 RPM Record Rack (Vinyl Rack):

On the right, the coordinated vertical rack houses the slots for the 50 45 RPM singles. At the rack’s base the original alphanumeric coding bar with positions A1 to K10 is perfectly visible, with no missing parts or bent guides.

The Background Serigraphy (Animated Background):

In the mechanism’s background remains the original-era mirror and graphic serigraphy with illustrations of dancing couples and the era’s musical genres (Wiener Walzer, Calypso, Shake, Cool Jazz). The upper reading panel with red and white selection indicators is perfectly preserved and aligned.

The Skies and Internal Supports:

The cast metal support frames, the base rack, and the carriage guides retain their red-painted finish and the unit’s original mounting components, confirming the unit has never been reassembled with parts from other models.

An extraordinary collectible, rarely found in this state of preservation: preserved integrated within both the exterior body and the sophisticated internal mechanism, without modern alterations or rebuilt parts.

The Era-Authentic Electromechanical Heart (Seeburg Pinbank):

The image unmistakably documents the heart of the Seeburg M100B’s selection system: the famous original 100-pin Selector Assembly (Pinbank).

Wiring and Original Connections:

The twisted, hand-wired harness retains its factory configuration. The absence of cuts, modern splices, or insulating tape shows the selection system has not undergone tampering or arbitrary rewiring over the decades.

Selection Pins and Solenoids:

The upper rack houses the complete series of metallic selection pins, which are actuated by solenoids when a track is chosen on the front keyboard. The mechanical system retains the release levers and original contact blocks in Bakelite and metal.

Structural Integrity of the Chassis:

The zinc-plated steel support frame and the vintage wooden inner shelf show a naturally aged patina, with no signs of ongoing corrosion or moisture damage.

The presence of an original, intact Seeburg Pinbank with untouched era wiring represents one of the most important assurances for vintage jukebox collectors: confirmation that the machine preserves its original 1950 electromechanical architecture, a fundamental value for historical conservation and potential conservative restoration.

Technical Analysis and Conservation: The Rear Compartment and Vacuum Tube Amplifier
1. The Vacuum Tube Amplifier (Original Amplifier Unit):

Opening the lower rear panel reveals the acoustic heart of the Seeburg M100B. The original-era amplifier unit retains the perforated aluminum/metal chassis with its complete set of original vacuum tubes, output transformers, and power/control block. The absence of transistor modifications or modern electronic modules certifies its pure collectible value and the warm, enveloping sound typical of the 1950s.

2. The Slug Rejector & Coin Chute:

Inside the compartment is clearly visible the original wall-mounted coin mechanism (Slug Rejector Assembly) with its galvanized metal inclined ramp guiding the deposited coin to the cash box at the base. The system retains all check levers and era-era balance weights.

3. The Original Electrodynamic Speaker:

To the right of the compartment stands the large original speaker with its era metal basket and protected magnet, connected to the circuit with the original bipolor wiring. It guarantees the authentic, deep acoustic performance designed by Seeburg for American venues of the era.