Why?

[2Bdecided]

Seriously, why paint the things white?!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/wind-up-gramo ... 1228102160

And if you are going to, why describe it as "Excellent condition antique ... condition is superb ... Collectors item" when it is the exact opposite?!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Antique-1920s ... 1160601301

Cheers,
David.

[alang]

Maybe the LP on the turntable makes it more collectible

But I agree, this is stomach turning and hurts me every time I see something like that. I once brought home a Columbia console, because it was the last unpainted item in a "shabby chic" store. I just could not bear the thought of it being white washed

Andreas

[Cody K]

Most of the machines I've seen painted were painted some time ago, judging by the condition of the paint. Once dark furniture became unfashionable, and the machines were for the most part obsolete, if people weren't ready to discard them completely, they might "update" a machine by giving it a coat of paint. For decades these machines had no real value -- maybe it was something you'd take to a summer house and leave it there to play on rainy days.

Better than taking it to the dump, I think, where so many ended up.

As far as describing a painted machine as in excellent condition, many sellers don't know anything at all about the machine (witness how many are listed as "Victrolas", no matter what the actual brand is, and how many XIs are listed at a starting price of a thousand dollars or so) -- they're just trying to get some cash for it.

We care about these things -- most people don't. At all.

[Henry]

And it comes with sheet music, too! Trés chic!

[epigramophone]

I have never understood this "shabby chic" thing. To me it is not chic, just shabby.

[edisonplayer]

Shabby chic is YUCK-O in my book!!edisonplayer