What is your ”Holy Grail” machine? Have you found it?

[Raphael]

That said, I would almost rather be seeking it than owning one.

I think that's a great statement, most of the fun is in the hunt. That being said, I acquired this Automatic Reginaphone a few years ago and since then have had no desire to acquire anything bigger, better or rarer.

Raphael

[zipcord]

Victor $3 Toy

[PHONOMIKE]

This opinion might change for some. After you find and obtain that "holy grail", there will be a new "holy grail"

As I stated in another post, mine right now is a circassian VTLA L-door Victrola. I've had and still have a couple circassian Victrolas but would love to find a well cared for circassian VTLA. The search goes on.

Mike

[Liamhamb30]

I think my current holy grail is probably an Edison A-375. I saw one while visiting a friend recently and they're beautiful machines, and absolutely massive! They stand taller than me with the lid open, around 6 feet or so!

[TinfoilPhono]

I'm hard-pressed to narrow down a single grail. I've owned several amazing machines, and have certainly coveted many others. It would make for a very long list.

But if I had to pick just one, I suppose it would be the brass Bergmann Exhibition Tinfoil Phonograph. Given that there's only one known to exist, and it is in a museum in Glasgow, I think it's a given that I'll never attain that goal. But I am happy to have second-best: an extremely precise replica, made for me by the late Bill Ptacek in 2002. It's as functional as it is beautiful. And it's massive, weighing in at 125 pounds.

[Granby]

At the risk of taking this post in a slightly different direction, I will answer as a quirky off-brand collector and history buff... lol

I am currently on the hunt for early production run Granby phonographs in 100% original condition. My "holy grail" does change a little as I have been very fortunate to acquire some awesome examples, already. However, there are some more obscure Granby models out there - so the hunt continues! They produced well over 12 variations.

Also, on the subject of off brand phonographs, I do know there is a table top Crystola in existence. I would LOVE to acquire that one as I have some two different Crystola floor models in my collection, already.

See? .... it never ends....

Shoot me a message if you see any of the above referenced phonographs at your local auction house or online! I will travel.

[Curt A]

I have found several holy grail machines - a Perfected Graphophone Type G and a Victrola XX, but now am looking for a Pathé rooster store display on a 12" base - I have two variations on 10" bases...

[mariof]

I got my Holy Grail a few months ago and have just got it back from cleaning and servicing...It's an Idelia and the original Spruce horn was a bonus!

[dzavracky]

I don't know what my "Holy Grail" machine would be.. but I did recently acquire a machine I never thought I would be able to own. (At least not at this age anyways ) Albeit it was stripped by the previous owner... I am still overjoyed to have it. Plus I like a good project.


Cheers,
David

[phonospud]

At 56, I found my holy grail machine, and it’s on an even rarer Rookwood cabinet.

Very Nice Phonospud, I am curious on your mahogany painted horn what does the decal say? I have the same setup and the decal says No 11 cygnet, I was curious if any of them actually were marked Ideal or Idealia Thanks Larry

Hi Larry, the horn is indeed a No. 11. I have the mahogany bell for it too.
Cheers,
Darren