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Have you ever seen an Operatone phonograph. What was the designer thinking?

Here it is:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-H-A-SAG ... 1500451%26

"What was the designer thinking?"

Probably first and foremost: "Hide that damned horn". Secondly, "Don't infringe on anyone's patents!"


Not quite the ugliest ever for me... there's a gothic art-model Columbia Grafonola that's been on the bay for a while... with a BIN of around $19,000.


This one is different enough to be intriguing... I don't about "four-figures intriguing", but cleaned-up, and with decent grille cloth, it would make a nice addition to a serious collection...

I wonder how well it plays ?

Ugly? I think not I would love to have this in my living room, after the necessary cleaning and repairs. It does lack the traditional appeal of other period phonographs but its outlandishness more than makes up for that. Quite the conversation piece, I'd say. However, the ad has been taken down. Hope it goes to a good home. I've taken some screen grabs for preservation.

if you think it's the ugliest you probably haven't seen this poor Amberola 30.

This wouldn’t be my first choice of phonograph, but I don’t consider it ugly. It’s very unique, I like it!

I kind of like it too, something you don't see everywhere and imaginative. If I had room for it in my condo and in my budget, I would love to have it.

Clay

I was at a farm auction back east earlier this summer and I saw a pile of Amberola parts, which make this look good, go for $ 325!

All I could do was stare at the bidders in utter amazement. Fortunately I did not recognize them from any phono clubs or shows.