Larry Schlick's final pieces finally available.

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Larry Schlick's final pieces finally available.

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Donley Auctions - But, wait. Here’s more.

In 2014 Donley Auctions was fortunate enough to have been selected to facilitate the auction of the Larry Schlick estate including many phonographs, parts, records, and literature. The Schlick collection was distributed over four days in two separate auctions with the first taking place July 19 & 20 and the second on October 26 & 27. Both auctions set record prices for pieces never previously available on the market. What we at Donley Auctions did not know at the time was that the Schlick family had saved a few pieces of Larry Schlick’s collection, and considering their monetary and sentimental value, it’s quite understandable. After some time and further consideration of Larry’s passion for collecting, the family has decided the final pieces would be best placed in the care of another avid collector. Now, for the first time ever, those remaining pieces of the Larry Schlick collection are finally available for auction.

Melba Style G&T De Luxe Pedestal Disc Gramophone
Melba Style G&T De Luxe Pedestal Disc Gramophone.jpg
This impressive machine in its handsome, black lacquer cabinet still has its original finish. The upper cabinet of the phonograph is nicely appointed with brass columns and pilasters on all four sides which highlight the attractive birds eye maple panels beautifully contrasting the black lacquer cabinet. The front birds eye maple panel bears a celluloid Gramophone & Typewriter trade mark. The machine with its Victor works has a gold exhibition reproducer, tone arm, and elbow, all of which have their original plating in fair condition with usual wear. The lower pedestal/record cabinet is the original companion to this machine. The cabinet is finished on all four sides and is nicely appointed with raised moldings and plant like carvings. Near the top of the cabinet, there is an accessory drawer which has original pull. Also near top, there are four brass lion heads attached to all four corners. Front cabinet door opens exposing a 6 compartment record storage area as well as a second accessory drawer. Also included are several newspaper and advertising pieces. An exceptionally rare find, examples such as these are seldom seen.

RCA Victor Special Phonograph circa 1935
RCA Victor Special Phonograph.jpg
This suitcase style record player is very well sought after. At 8" tall, 16.5" wide,18" deep, the futuristic case was designed by John Vassos. The mechanism was designed by Alfred Weiland and Selden T. Williams. This machine was way ahead of its time in design and is displayed in museum collections of modern design around the world for admiration of it’s artistic use of aluminum, chromium-plated steel, various metals, molded plastic, felt, leather, and velvet. These were manufactured by RCA Mfg. Company Camden, New Jersey.. It has a wind up spring motor and an electric amplified pick up that uses changeable steel needles. Overall condition is very good with a few scuffs to the outside of the case that could be polished out. Motor winds and runs, amplifier turns on and works as it should. Comes with original power cord. You will look long and hard to find a nicer one.


Various Lots of Letters, Press Releases, Depositions, & Documents
from Eldridge Johnson/Victor, Emil Berliner, & Thomas Edison
Elderidge Johnson Consolidated Talking Machine Press Release.jpg
Elderidge Johnson vs National Gramophone Corporation.jpg
Nipper Deposition.jpg
Original Victor Ads.jpg
Thomas Edison Blank Check.jpg
Victor Rebrand.jpg
To include:
An extremely historic pre-Victor Phonograph document. Original typed mimeograph announcement from Eldridge Johnson, dated October 4, 1900 stating Mr. Johnson has changed the name of his company to Consolidated Talking Machine Company. 

Original letter on Eldridge Johnson stationary, dated April 2nd, 1901 stating that only 6 months after the announcement of Eldridge Johnson changing the name to Consolidated Talking Machine Company, he would now rename the company Victor Talking Machine, inspired by victorious litigation against competing companies.

Three pages of typed deposition discussing the trademark and use of "the Dog" (Nipper) and phonograph used by Johnson for Victor Phonograph. Dated April 2nd, 1904. Many quotes by Emil Berliner. Extremely rare, one-of-a-kind literature.

Blank Check from Thomas Edison’s Private Account

Dozens of other documents.

These remaining pieces of the Larry Schlick Collection will be available in Day 3 in Donley Auctions’ Annual Fall Classic taking place Nov 18-20.

Bidding will be held in Donley’s Union, IL showroom as well as online on all bidding platforms. Visit http://www.DonleyAuctions.com for more details.

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