Guide as to the valuation of various antique phonographs

[orpington]

In the antique firearms field, there are various descriptive guides that are usually fairly useless, but they are better than nothing. Flaydermans book contains outdated prices but is great for qualitative and quantitative data. The Blue Book contains values that are sometimes helpful for retail valuation, or way off the mark, depending on the firearm. Does anything exist in the phonograph hobby? I know what I think is full retail, but this is what I think, and this is only for a few select models. I May or may not be right when it comes to my guesses.

In regards to the above, anyone have any ideas as to what an Edison Concert phonograph should cost (not full retail)? A forum member stated in another thread he paid $3550 for a very nice one...but I don't know what fair values are other than posted auctions and maybe sales in the Yankee Trader section.

Thanks!

[phonogfp]

In the antique firearms field, there are various descriptive guides that are usually fairly useless, but they are better than nothing. Flaydermans book contains outdated prices but is great for qualitative and quantitative data. The Blue Book contains values that are sometimes helpful for retail valuation, or way off the mark, depending on the firearm. Does anything exist in the phonograph hobby?

Well, yes, but I thought everyone must be tired of hearing about them by now!

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... ire#p91754

Each of the books described above has a price guide. I'm not a fan of price guides, but the publisher told us if WE didn't include a price guide, they'd have SOMEONE ELSE do it... As a result, we used price ranges, and carefully explained in each guide that all prices reflected complete machines in excellent condition. The first book came out 17 years ago, but I'm surprised how accurate most of the price ranges remain today. I thought the valuations were looking a bit low around 2005, but these days they're better. If nothing else, the ranges will show comparative values.

None of this is a substitute for the excellent advice you've been given earlier in this thread. My advice is to follow it.

Good luck.

George P.

[orpington]

Thank you! I forgot about these books! If one had to purchase only 1 or 2 which would you recommend if one is into cylinder photographs only? If prices are relevant now and we're when these books were written but seemed outdated in 2005 it suggests a softening of the market.

[phonogfp]

Thank you! I forgot about these books! If one had to purchase only 1 or 2 which would you recommend if one is into cylinder photographs only? If prices are relevant now and we're when these books were written but seemed outdated in 2005 it suggests a softening of the market.

Each of these books examines the industry as a whole (cylinder and disc). No chapters on Victor or Edison, etc. because that's not the way the industry existed at the time. Each book is a stand-alone work, with its contents arranged roughly chronologically. If you're interested only in cylinder phonographs, I'm afraid you'd find many disc machines mixed in as well. If you check the detailed descriptions of the books in the link I provided in my previous post, you will see the types of machines/artifacts pictured and described in each book.

Between the appearance of the first book in 1997 (The Compendium) and 2004-06, there was a general expansion of the market, rendering some of the value ranges a bit low. With the recession of 2008, values generally came down. That may mean that the value guide in our final book in 2007 (A World of Antique Phonographs) may now be a bit high. I don't know - - I never refer to the value guides.

I should note that I continued to buy machines throughout the 2000-2010 period, and there are a few for which I probably could not sell now for what I paid. This doesn't bother me in the least, because 1) I am enjoying them now, and 2) I'm not selling them now, and 3) there are many others I've collected over the years which will generate enough profit (when the time comes) to make up for any loss. And even if #3 were not the case, I will have had a wonderful time and my family will still get a nice endowment.

You can't take the phonographs nor the money with you, but the contentment the phonographs bring may well make your life better, and happier lives make the world a better place.

George P.

[audiophile102]

You can't take the phonographs nor the money with you, but the contentment the phonographs bring may well make your life better, and happier lives may the world a better place.

George P.

This is a very good expression of the best spirit of collecting. May I have your permission to add this quote to the end of my posts with the correction "May=Make".

[phonogfp]

You're most welcome to use the quote, and thanks for the grammatical correction!

George P.

[bigshot]

The value of a big cabinet machine is much different in New England than it is in Los Angeles. Geography can double the value, or cut it in half depending on where you live.

[Valecnik]

The value of a big cabinet machine is much different in New England than it is in Los Angeles. Geography can double the value, or cut it in half depending on where you live.

Just one of the reasons the price guides are the least important part of these really great books imho.

[orpington]

You all are right! I am sort of regretting not going the $1825 bid on the Concert A over the weekend.

[Jerry B.]

Valuation of any machine can be very difficult. Let's say you would like to purchase a Victor III. This Forum can be a great resource so you start a thread and ask "What is the value of a Victor III with a black & brass horn?".
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The first reply may be from someone who says to be patient and you'll find one for $300 to $500. What he fails to mention is the fact that he likes projects and doesn't mind fabricating a corner column, repairing the corner where a puppy chewed, and a total refinish and repaint for the horn.
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The second reply may come from someone that buys only well preserved original machines. He might reply that he would expect to pay at least $1200 and as high as $1500 for an exceptional example.
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The third reply may come from someone that builds his collection on bargains. He might answer the question with a reply of $700 to $800. He may pass on the puppy chewed one but will wait for a decent or terrific example that turns up in his price range and has the patience to wait.
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This is not a criticism of any type of collector. I love a good project, great bargains and will pay the price for an exceptional example. It's all in our personal perspective. I hope this helps. You now know that a Victor III with a B&B horn is worth from $300 to $1500.
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Jerry Blais