Reasonable Offer

[SonnyPhono]

A person who owns this emailed me and told me to make a reasonable offer. I don't know much about the general value of this model. It does look to be in good condition and I think it is an attractive Columbia. I know we all get tired of the question posted on value etc., but funds are a bit limited at the moment. I don't want to insult this person by offering what I would like to pay, but also don't want to overpay by offering an amount over it's general value.

Obviously condition, reproduction parts, whether or not it is complete, etc. comes into play. But assuming it's a complete original phonograph in clean running condition, what would be a good price to offer while being fair to the owner? Thanks for the help. (Again!)

[SonnyPhono]

I forgot to ask another question I have about this one. Is it walnut? It looks a bit like walnut but resembles mahogany as well and I can't decide.

[gramophoneshane]

$400

[SonnyPhono]

Thanks for the reply Shane. It's nice to get a reply of a single number rather than speculation on all the factors involved etc. That gives me a good gauge on things and I will try to go from there. I do appreciate it!

[brianu]

you said before that you were looking to learn more about how to gauge the value of the various makes and models found out there. usually value determination requires more than simply asking someone else for an answer, let alone limiting the solicited answer solely to a price tag. you're not going to learn much from that.

I'd agree about the 400 though. and yes, it appears to be walnut.

[DrGregC]

I am not an expert on the high-end Columbia Grafonolas, but I own a perfect model 200 in walnut with gold-plated hardware and a paper tag identifying it as such. It is very attractive in the walnut with the borderless motorboard. I value the machine at $750-800, but I am biased. I can't tell from the picture whether it is a 200. They made similar machines with smaller proportions and nickel-plated hardware. You would need to check a reference or get a Columbia expert to provide details. Good luck!

[antique1973]

I would probably try $300 first but that's just me. It looks minty though
that is for sure. Good luck!

[SonnyPhono]

you said before that you were looking to learn more about how to gauge the value of the various makes and models found out there. usually value determination requires more than simply asking someone else for an answer, let alone limiting the solicited answer solely to a price tag. you're not going to learn much from that.

I'd agree about the 400 though. and yes, it appears to be walnut.

Obviously value determination requires more than simply asking someone else for an answer. That's why I stated in my original post that IF it were in good cosmetic condition, plays well and is all original, what a GENERAL value would be. I also stated that I wanted to know this information so I wouldn't insult the person by offering to pay an unrealistically low price or possibly pay out the wazoo for something that may be more common than I am aware of.

I know, (generally speaking) the value of most the phonographs I come across or at least can estimate the general ballpark value. But I haven't bought too many Columbia's before and don't have any experience with one in walnut. So I was merely trying to get an opinion from those who are more versed with Columbia's before I made a mistake by paying too much or by insulting the seller.

No big deal. Thanks for confirming the walnut though and for helping with a price estimate.

[DrGregC]

Just got home from work. Checked the Columbia Phonograph Companion by Baumbach & Lackey. Based on the smaller dimensions (47.25 x 20.5 x 22.125), the four drop record cradles, and the nickel-plated hardware, this machine looks like a model 150. It was available in satin and burl walnut. I would value it more like $450-500 in this (excellent) condition. I have my model 200 displayed in my foyer. It is very attractive and quite a change of pace from the Victor consoles.

[gramophoneshane]

Why do Americans call BURR walnut, burl walnut? It's been BURR walnut all over the world for centuries.
It's almost as if some uneducated dumb-dumb that couldn't spell got it wrong long ago, & the name stuck. Or maybe a Burl Ives fan renamed it?

Does anyone know when & why the name was changed?