Best finds of 2021?

[TinfoilPhono]

I'm supposed to be downsizing my collection(s), not adding to them, but somehow or other I still find some opportunities irresistible. So in 2021 I bought two coin-ops that I definitely didn't need, but you know how that goes.

The first was a BS. I already have one -- the earliest style with no decal and an open-front coin chute. But I couldn't resist going for a banner decal version because it was so special and unusual, if little known -- a "BSP" (as some collectors colloquially call it). When Columbia gave up on their unsuccessful attempt to sell highly-nickeled and polished Eagles in 1899 (BXP), they evidently simply quietly used the leftover unsold stocks of nickeled mechanisms in a few BS coin-ops. Evidently no attempt was made to single them out as special editions, they were just quietly sold off along with ordinary examples. Only a half-dozen are currently known, all with serial numbers in a narrow range. It's a small and obscure point but I love these sorts of arcane details.

The other is a Type N coin-op. I had one in the past but later sold it. It's one of the few things I've sold that later caused seller's remorse, so when a nice example turned up I happily jumped on the chance to get one back into the collection.

I really love how well Columbia coin-ops work. I've had several Edisons, and still have two, but Columbias seem to run more reliably. For many years back in the 70s and 80s I had a BS on the piano in our dining room. The latest BS is back in that place of honor, where I get to enjoy looking at it every evening. And, more often than not, playing it. (Did I mention reliable?)

[Wolfe]

I had a good year, but this has to be my best. It even has the original box full of Victor documents and the albums. All for $300.00.

Less than the original selling price for the VV-230 a century ago. Very nice looking.

[ChuckA]

2021 was a fairly good year for increasing the collection, acquired 8 additional cylinder machines.

Rene, I'm also supposed to be reducing the size of my collections, but seems it just doesn't work that way.

The best bargain this year was this Edison Concert converted to standard size cylinders with combination attachment. This came from a local
auction that didn't advertise it, they just listed cylinders. Got it for $190. One cylinder that wasn't broken and that was an excellent 2 min wax William Jennings Bryan.

The best machine was this early Spring Motor, no bargain but in excellent condition.

And probably not one of my brightest ideas was buying 2,000+ cylinders. I already had about 1,000 and they all fit in my cabinets, now I have boxes stacked on boxes.
Going to spend the winter pulling duplicates...


Chuck

[Django]

I hope that this topic doesn’t die any time soon. I love seeing the treasures that people bring home. Big or small, rare or not. Ken Woodbury once told me that his favorite machine was the last one that he brought home. They are all treasures.

[travisgreyfox]

WOW! This thread is awesome! I'm glad lots of people had a great year collecting. I did not "find" my best machine in 2021 but a really awesome friend on the board got me it as a gift (EdiBrunsVic) Thanks again Mr. Don for the awesome Edison.

Here's to happy 2022


-Travis

[JohnM]

I had a good year for acquiring things in 2021! I found a nice original Victor IV, an oak Victrola XVI-G, a mahogany Amberola I-A, a mahogany Amberola V, two mahogany fretwork VTLA’s, a mahogany XVII, a mahogany Victrola XII, a mahogany Pooley flat-top VTLA, a mahogany Columbia ‘Symphony Grand’, an Edison 1-C ‘Long Play’ Disc Phonograph, an Edison ‘Duplex Concert’, a backmount Zonophone ‘Concert Grand’, a Godwin Ive tinfoil Phonograph, an oak Hawthorne & Sheble cylinder cabinet, and a side-loading cabinet for the Victrola XII. Also, the violin-playing mechanism for a Mills Violano-Virtuoso. In records, I got 75 mint cylinders with the I-A, 26 late-acoustical and electric Diamond Discs with the Long Play, one 10” Long Play disc, a Caruso vertical Emerson disc, and a Victor ‘Patti Record’.

[gunnarthefeisty]

WOW! This thread is awesome! I'm glad lots of people had a great year collecting. I did not "find" my best machine in 2021 but a really awesome friend on the board got me it as a gift (EdiBrunsVic) Thanks again Mr. Don for the awesome Edison.

Here's to happy 2022


-Travis

care to share on the rifle+ flag? That scope looks interesting.

[Josh_boro20]

I was happy to bring this beautiful A-450 home.

[Inigo]

Wow! Indeed it's beautiful!

[Roaring20s]

This does not compare to the posted treasures, but I flipped an Edison Home D, for its "O" reproducer.

James.