What is something like this worth

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Curt A
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Re: What is something like this worth

Post by Curt A »

So, what happened, Carl... What's the rest of the story?
"The phonograph† is not of any commercial value."
Thomas Alva Edison - Comment to his assistant, Samuel Insull.

"No one needs a Victrola XX, a Perfected Graphophone Type G, or whatever you call those noisy things."
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Re: What is something like this worth

Post by FellowCollector »

I have this same record cabinet in my collection and the one in the picture looks absolutely correct and all oak. Mine came from the original owner's family members with a Victor M sitting on top. I'm late to the party here but my thoughts on this one are that the $1500 price may be just about what it may be worth. In other words, if buying to resell you might break even if you find the right buyer but it's unlikely you'll make a profit. If buying to keep and enjoy then you are paying at or near top dollar. Just my own thoughts based on the one picture. As mentioned earlier, the tonearm and elbow appear to have had their original nickel plating removed and the brass base metal has been polished to reveal a shine. I could be wrong on that. This would be a detraction to me especially at $1500. And the picture doesn't reveal the condition of the back bracket and in particular the original stenciling presuming the back bracket is original. I would have asked for additional pictures before asking if the owner was willing to negotiate a bit. This way you have additional validation of what is currently speculation based on one picture and thereby be better prepared for a possible negotiation on price. Let us know and good luck.

Doug

Carl
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Re: What is something like this worth

Post by Carl »

Well, the long and short of it, is the seller added a couple, no- make that a FEW hundred dollars to our already mutually agreed upon price. I must say that I was as pissed-off as I was surprised. Our negotiation and conversations were going quite well: business talk, yes, but yet friendly enough, that the sudden turn of events was enough to raise an eyebrow. I must admit that I really wanted it. I already had a spot picked out for it in our living room. Oh well, there'll be another. It wasn't meant to be. Thank you all for your valuable input, opinions, and thoughts.
Carl

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Re: What is something like this worth

Post by JerryVan »

Carl wrote: Sun Sep 14, 2025 11:17 am Well, the long and short of it, is the seller added a couple, no- make that a FEW hundred dollars to our already mutually agreed upon price. I must say that I was as pissed-off as I was surprised. Our negotiation and conversations were going quite well: business talk, yes, but yet friendly enough, that the sudden turn of events was enough to raise an eyebrow. I must admit that I really wanted it. I already had a spot picked out for it in our living room. Oh well, there'll be another. It wasn't meant to be. Thank you all for your valuable input, opinions, and thoughts.
I think we've all been there. You made the right call. I won't do business with anyone like that.

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Curt A
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Re: What is something like this worth

Post by Curt A »

Sorry you missed it, but you will find a better one. He blew it and will be wishing he stuck to your original deal...
"The phonograph† is not of any commercial value."
Thomas Alva Edison - Comment to his assistant, Samuel Insull.

"No one needs a Victrola XX, a Perfected Graphophone Type G, or whatever you call those noisy things."
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jboger
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Re: What is something like this worth

Post by jboger »

It's the seller's responsibility to set a price.

John

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Re: What is something like this worth

Post by Carl »

jboger wrote: Mon Sep 15, 2025 10:32 pm It's the seller's responsibility to set a price.

John
Of course, John, but not to set, and mutually agree on a price, then raise it when it comes time for money to change hands. Negotiations should involve a certain level of honesty and transparency. I experienced neither with this person. I don't think I'm alone in feeling the seller did the wrong thing. But you or others may disagree.
Carl

jboger
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Re: What is something like this worth

Post by jboger »

Actually, Carl, I'm totally agreeing with you. Not only was the seller wrong to up the price on you, but in my opinion it is every seller's responsibility to set a price in the first place. I have sold all sorts of items. If a potential customers asks me how much something is, I do not shoot back by asking how much is s/he willing to pay. So I don't like what this fellow did on two accounts: (1) not setting a price in the first place and (2) upping the price on you after an agreement was reached. Looking back at my original terse response, I see I wasn't clear.

John

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