Puritan Beauty in Oak

[redson68]

OK folks, allow me to set the record straight. Had this been a collector's phonograph, I would have listed it on the Forum to sell. But it's not, and hence I put it on Craig's List.

I bought this "Baroque" model Puritan from what was supposed to be reputable dealer in Atlanta, a place called Red Baron. I then had it shipped out to Denver. The pictures weren't great online and I failed to pick up that the motor, board and crank were not original. Shame on me. I am a young collector and sometimes you need to touch the stove to get burned. Hopefully I am a bit wiser.

The tone arm and reproducer are absolutely original. Reproducer sounds good but it could enjoy new gaskets. Some of the gold plating on the reproducer has rubbed off and there a noticeable difference in color between the tone arm and tone arm bracket. But the finish is original and due to the hodge podge of parts that Puritans were made of. The oak case is original finish. There were no casters. The decal is 95% there, I spray shellac'd lightly to protect the rest of it.

The motor is probably a victor and whoever put it on there did a decent job of plugging the original hole, as I missed it completely. I oiled it and it runs fine, and sounds great.

Is the machine perfect? Hell no. But I have priced it as such and would take $750 including a free delivery to Union, if anyone is interested or by chance, has an original motor. (I have $1400 in it.) They are really cool looking, and OAK is much harder to find than Mahogany. And for whatever reason, these look much better in Oak.

I have since picked up another one, nearly identical but is it nickel plated and called "Artline" instead of "Baroque". I also have an extra Puritan nickel plated tone arm, brakced and reproducer if anyone needs one.

If anyone should have additional questions, please feel free to email or PM me.

Happy Easter,
Gary

[Valecnik]

I contacted the seller and asked:

I am very interested in your Puritan. You have great photos and show every side except the crank side of the cabinet. Can I see a photo of that side? I want to make sure there is not an extra or filled crank hole. Thanks!

Jerry

Did this guy ever get back to you Jerry?

[Jerry B.]

There was no need to get back to me. His post came out about the same time. He's in an unfortunate position of making a long distance purchase from a seemingly reputable seller that sold him a machine made from a marriage of parts. I assume he voiced his displeasure. I don't know if a return was offered. The result is the fact that he's stuck with a machine made from a combination of manufacturers. What should he do? He offered it for sale on craigslist where buyers normally are local and can come see an item before making a decision. He did not offer it here on the Forum where he is a member. I understand and respect that decision. Jerry Blais

[Valecnik]

I did not read Gary's post above or would not have asked the question. Now I see. Well if it's any consolation, the machine is still very attractive, even with the alterations. Such a clean one in oak is very rarely seen.

[Benjamin_L]

It's even harder finding them with the right tonearm and reproducer. Almost every Puritan I've seen has had a different one for each.