SA--Roberts Bestone Portable-View Royal, BC

[Lah Ca]

Interesting.

There seems to have been a model with a smaller horn and a left-mount tone arm.

This model does not seem to have needle cups.

One of these machines has a pouch indentical the one in mine but differently placed.

It has no clip for the crank. so where the crank would be stored who knows?

My machine has a right mount tone arm, no needle cups, a larger horn, no crank clip, and a pouch. I wonder if mine is some sort of transitional model.

[Steve]

Interesting.

There seems to have been a model with a smaller horn and a left-mount tone arm.

This model does not seem to have needle cups.

One of these machines has a pouch indentical the one in mine but differently placed.

It has no clip for the crank. so where the crank would be stored who knows?

2023-11-17 18.09.29 www.the-saleroom.com 8728e2c830ad.jpg

My machine has a right mount tone arm, no needle cups, a larger horn, no crank clip, and a pouch. I wonder if mine is some sort of transitional model.

No, it isn't.

[JerryVan]

I'm willing to bet a leather restoration specialist could work some small miracles with your leather case.

[Lah Ca]

I'm willing to bet a leather restoration specialist could work some small miracles with your leather case.

Hmmm ....

I have no idea what the value of this machine might be in a restored condition (as opposed to a good "stewed in its own juices" un-restored condition). But the first guesstimate quote for case restoration (made from viewing photographs) was for $1500 CDN, about $1,135.37 US, 892.93 GBP, or 1,029.11 EUR. It could be higher.

I have started researching leather restoration/conservation. I am finding that the advice offered in the leather work community is as fractious and contradictory as, say, advice on the best way to clean and re lubricate a gramophone spring.

I have a few more guesstimates to come in, yet.

[Steve]

I'm willing to bet a leather restoration specialist could work some small miracles with your leather case.

Hmmm ....

I have no idea what the value of this machine might be in a restored condition (as opposed to a good "stewed in its own juices" un-restored condition). But the first guesstimate quote for case restoration (made from viewing photographs) was for $1500 CDN, about $1,135.37 US, 892.93 GBP, or 1,029.11 EUR. It could be higher.

I have started researching leather restoration/conservation. I am finding that the advice offered in the leather work community is as fractious and contradictory as, say, advice on the best way to clean and re lubricate a gramophone spring.

I have a few more guesstimates to come in, yet.

In good original working condition and leather case the Bestone is in the ballpark of £250-350. It's certainly not worth spending 3 times it's final value to restore the leather in my opinion.

[Lah Ca]

It's certainly not worth spending 3 times it's final value to restore the leather in my opinion.

A very sensible opinion.

I have a feeling that it will be time for me to branch out and learn some new skills.