Values on Talking Machines vs. Radios

[Victrolacollector]

It seemed that a few decades ago antique phonographs were selling for more than many antique radios of the era. For instance, about 10-20 years ago an Edison Diamond Disc Lab Model console would command around 750-800.00

Over the past year, I have picked up more of an interest in antique radios, especially those from the 1920's and 1930's. Now they seem to cost hundreds of dollars even for junkers. I remember going into antique stores and seeing an unrestored radio for 25.00-50.00 each. Now I wish I never sold the Atwater Kent 35 that I picked up for 35.00 back in 1996 and sold for 50.00 in 2008.

Do other members feel the same? a paradigm shift where radios are increasing in value and phonographs are decreasing?

[oldtvsandtoys]

I don’t think so. You will see antique dealers, Craigslist sellers, and on Facebook asking for
100’s. But they don’t sell. I just bought a Atwater Kent in a Kiel table, they wanted $400. I waited it out
And after a few months paid $50 for it. They can ask what they want

[Lucius1958]

It's certainly odd; but the market has its vagaries like anything else.

At least with phonographs, period records are still available; but if you want to listen to old radio programs on vintage equipment, you have to get a mini-transmitter to play transcriptions (and I can't imagine wanting to listen to modern AM programming on vintage sets)...

Of course, many radio collectors will buy rare specimens just to display (as we do ourselves): once again, it's the market and its fashions...

Bill

[marcapra]

but if you want to listen to old radio programs on vintage equipment, you have to get a mini-transmitter t

Not really. I listen to anything I want on my 1930 Edison R-7. Any radio show on the Internet is easily available, plus my Itunes, CDs, anything really. And you don't need a mini AM transmitter either because all Edison radios have phono jacks. I just adapt a computer cable and solder on two pins and I'm listening to Radio Dismuke, old radio shows, my Itunes, etc. Of course, you have to have an Ipod, CD player, Ipad, etc. on the other end of the cable and Wi-Fi of course. It works great! I used to use a mini AM transmitter, but I always got static. With my Ipod I get clear as a bell sound. I have been told I could skip the cable and just use Blue Tooth, but I don't know how to do that yet. Marc.

[Victor VII]

I have several '20's and '30's radios. They now make miniature Blue-Tooth receivers--can get them on Amazon. Quick install to place a jack (or I actually buy from someone who knows how to install the jack) into the circuitry of just about any old working radio. I can just pull up any old song or newscast or Fireside Chat on Youtube and play it through the radio. Friends and family have spent lots of time enjoying the experience of sitting around an old cathedral radio and listening to period material watching the glowing dial...

[Victor VII]

I sync my cell-phone to the mini Blue Tooth receiver (just like in my car) which is easily hidden behind the radio. I can then play Youtube after Youtube of period music on the radio.

As far as values, my experience is that most old radios which come up for sale need some kind of work and can be had for little money. Original or well restored '20's and '30's radios still sell for good prices--and of course, certain iconic, special, or rare pieces do well. Certain styles including catalin radios are still in demand.

[startgroove]

As with anything else, where the common stuff has dropped in value, radios are suffering the same reduction. Yet, the rarer, or more desireable sets, have risen significantly in value. I never thought I'd see the day that a Zenith "Walton" would bring over $3,000!

[audiophile102]

I owned a Stewart Warner 950 highboy radio and I wanted to get it working again. I contacted the local antique radio club and found out about their yearly meeting which I attended. I talked to everyone I could find, but no one would help. I joined the antique radios forum and found a guy in Indiana who would sell me a working chassis with mine in trade, but the cost was way more than the radio was worth. I considered keeping it just to display it, but I thought it would be better to use the space for an upright phonograph, (which I'm still searching for). I posted a classified ad on the Antique Radios web site and asked only $50. There was no response so I posted this topic in the general forum. http://antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtop ... 1&t=345544 What it says is that I didn't want to see it turned into a liquor cabinet and that struck a nerve. There was one collector who eventually came to my home and bought it for $40. I took a loss from my initial purchase, but I derived pleasure looking at it for years and now it has a good home. Here is the radio I sold.

Stewart Warner 3.jpg (212.08 KiB) Viewed 1429 times

[Victrolacollector]

Good stuff... I guess it all depends on the make and model etc.

[Victrolacollector]

As with anything else, where the common stuff has dropped in value, radios are suffering the same reduction. Yet, the rarer, or more desireable sets, have risen significantly in value. I never thought I'd see the day that a Zenith "Walton" would bring over $3,000!

I agree, this is exactly what I am talking about, seems those Zenith tombstone models are going up. I bought my restored Zentith 5-S-29 last summer for 550.00, and still think that’s a lot of money.

I think Edison Radios should be more than they are especially with a Phonograph.