Empty Cockleshell Monarch case

[Steve]

I've just spotted an empty Monarch case which has no innards or anything with it. The top might need some careful refinishing and one of the rear turned columns is sadly missing.

I'm tempted to get it because......well I'm a collector, I've always liked the case, it's a part of gramophone history and I know what it is but I have no idea what it's worth or what I'd do with it! I'm simply burdened with the problem of being collector, knowing exactly what it is and desperately wanting to remove it from a shop full of sewing related items where its currently languishing without anyone apparently knowing its true original purpose.

Someone please convince me to either buy it or walk away happily. At the moment I'm struggling to do either!

[poodling around]

I've just spotted an empty Monarch case which has no innards or anything with it. The top might need some careful refinishing and one of the rear turned columns is sadly missing.

I'm tempted to get it because......well I'm a collector, I've always liked the case, it's a part of gramophone history and I know what it is but I have no idea what it's worth or what I'd do with it! I'm simply burdened with the problem of being collector, knowing exactly what it is and desperately wanting to remove it from a shop full of sewing related items where its currently languishing without anyone apparently knowing its true original purpose.

Someone please convince me to either buy it or walk away happily. At the moment I'm struggling to do either!

Sewing related items ? Is it this one :

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=57613 ???

Even if it isn't ........................ buy it, the saying 'if in doubt do nowt' is for losers !

[Steve]

I've just spotted an empty Monarch case which has no innards or anything with it. The top might need some careful refinishing and one of the rear turned columns is sadly missing.

I'm tempted to get it because......well I'm a collector, I've always liked the case, it's a part of gramophone history and I know what it is but I have no idea what it's worth or what I'd do with it! I'm simply burdened with the problem of being collector, knowing exactly what it is and desperately wanting to remove it from a shop full of sewing related items where its currently languishing without anyone apparently knowing its true original purpose.

Someone please convince me to either buy it or walk away happily. At the moment I'm struggling to do either!

Sewing related items ? Is it this one :

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=57613 ???

Even if it isn't ........................ buy it, the saying 'if in doubt do nowt' is for losers !

No, no, no, that was a Senior Monarch base, I'm talking about the double spring Monarch which was contemporary with the SM.

I'm trying to think of how I could re-purpose it in a gramophone related way. I'm not talking of painting it grey and sticking knitting needles in it!

[Steve]

This is the type of case I'm referring to:

1100040149_THUMB.JPG (12.2 KiB) Viewed 523 times

[Curt A]

Buy it now and figure out what to do with it later...

Can you post a larger picture? That thumbnail isn't helpful...

Is it in Europe? Otherwise, let me know if you decide against it.

[jamiegramo]

I guess it’s all down to the price. If reasonable buy it. You may find a complete machine but missing a Cockleshell...

[Steve]

I guess it’s all down to the price. If reasonable buy it. You may find a complete machine but missing a Cockleshell...

That is the issue really, Jamie, I agree.

It's currently £50 but I could get it for £42. Now, if it had all 4 corner columns I might have just brought it home with me but I keep asking myself where will I get someone to turn a perfect reproduction and to what end? It'll always be a new part but even then I'll bet it'll cost a pretty penny, more than twice the cabinet, quite likely. So that's the dilemma. It's more of a rescue mission really but I'm at a loss as to how to treat the patient once they're in the "right hands".

[jamiegramo]

I guess it’s all down to the price. If reasonable buy it. You may find a complete machine but missing a Cockleshell...

That is the issue really, Jamie, I agree.

It's currently £50 but I could get it for £42. Now, if it had all 4 corner columns I might have just brought it home with me but I keep asking myself where will I get someone to turn a perfect reproduction and to what end? It'll always be a new part but even then I'll bet it'll cost a pretty penny, more than twice the cabinet, quite likely. So that's the dilemma. It's more of a rescue mission really but I'm at a loss as to how to treat the patient once they're in the "right hands".

I see the dilemma as I am someone who has hoarded too much stuff and am now determined not to do so. If only it had the missing column or was £20...

[JerryVan]

I would love to have 2 columns for mine. Mine currently has 2 reproduced columns. Although done very well, as you say, it will always be a new part. I'd be happy to to buy 2 columns if you get this case. I'll admit, I'm not sure how this helps you however.

[Garret]

I know of a certain collector with parts for a Cockleshell Monarch, but after spending 18 months trying, have yet to be able to get them. If you get the case, I can give you the lead.

Garret