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http://cgi.ebay.com/Antique-Sonora-Phon ... 415504f849


This is an absolute shame !! This was originally a beautiful Sonora Italian Renaissance Art Model Milano from around 1920, The 2nd best Sonora Art Model offered by the Company. At some point, some fool made this Art Model an AMPUTEE !! All six artistic legs extended down to a bottom Shelf that encompassed the entire width of the bottom, and there were double round turned feet at the very bottom. The problem with this listing is that the seller claims he/she did extensive research, yet they do not know this is an ART MODEL and they do not know the Model Name, and they have no idea? that the whole bottom section of this once proud and beautiful art model was unceremoniously sawed off, to make the machine a Sextuple Amputee.

This is what it is suppose to look like.

What a cryin' shame. It seems like so many top model phonographs get butchered. Odd how the seller keeps referring to the carvings as being "Art Nouveau", when his extensive research should have told him that Art Nouveau was completely out of date when this phonograph was produced.

He appears to be one of those sellers that is so hell bent on selling something that he says he has done extensive research, but if he did where in blazes did he come up with that bogus description, and why does he not realize that all six legs have been sawed off ??? This is crazy.

Just heard from a fellow collector who asked the seller if he had the six legs and shelf that are suppose to be part of this Art Model. The Seller replied that he was not aware that this art model was suppose to have legs when he posted this listing, and so that what you see is what you get !!

He refuses to either pull the listing or change his description which says the following: "It is missing one small decorative wood finial on one end (there should be four finials adorning each end). There are three nicks in the top veneer, one is less than ¼ inch, another is ½ inch, and the other is maybe ¾ inch long by ½ inch.

This piece belonged to my father who bought it at auction. We've done an enormous amount of research and are confident you will not find another phonograph equal in style, craftsmanship, or condition."

I really don't expect sellers on ebay to be that
honest and forthcoming. It has always been a buyer
beware hobby..

"Carved veneer" ??? ( from the seller's description )


Don't know whether to laugh or to get PO'd at the seller...


Hopefully "caveat emptor" will prevail, and no one will be taken-in by this piece...

I can't help myself - here's the description from the listing:

"If you're a phonograph collector, this will be the jewel of your collection. Forget the Sonora Baby Grand or other spindly-legged consoles. This custome console will knock your socks off in terms of craftsmanship and condition.

It's a beautifully artistic console from the company that specialized in high-end cabinetry for phonographs, the Sonora Phonograph Company. The front panels are adorned with beautifully hand-carved wood panels with intricate art nouveau designs. Even the tone arm is made of hand-carved wood with the same art nouveau motifs. One picture shows you the center panel on the front adorned with a typical art nouveau design. These unbelievable wood carvings far surpass any chinoise painted cabinets or the carved veneers of the Sonora Baby Grand model. Another picture shows the center panel open to reveal carved lattice work covering the speaker. The other two carved front panels are cabinet doors for record storage. Even the record storage is high end, with record jackets tethered inside the cabinet by a steel rod so that they can pivot out for easy access.

Make no mistake, this piece is absolutely the most beautiful antique phonograph you've ever seen. The condition is excellent. It still has beautiful movement and sound and original crank arm. It is missing one small decorative wood finial on one end (there should be four finials adorning each end). There are three nicks in the top veneer, one is less than ¼ inch, another is ½ inch, and the other is maybe ¾ inch long by ½ inch.

This piece belonged to my father who bought it at auction. We've done an enormous amount of research and are confident you will not find another phonograph equal in style, craftsmanship, or condition.

This is offered for pick-up only in Columbus, Ohio. "

Here's the listing:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... MEWAX%3AIT

I believe the seller has a brilliant future in marketing and advertising.

Yes, obviously the next "Bernie Madoff" of the ebay world of Hucksters, and snake oil salesmen .

So Shamefully Misleading !! It is beyond reprehensible.

Two days left, and "Stumpy" is up to $60.

Woo-hoo !