Kirkwood wrote:Wow, Bob---thanks for the additional pics! So much that I'd love to see and own. Really like that Electrola, don't see too many of those around. The Amberola in the oak "console" cabinet looks like a take-off of the Lindstrom idea: build a larger impressive case for your smaller inexpensive phonograph. Looks like an Amberola 50 was just dropped into the top recess of the case, or am I missing something? The ample storage space for dozens of cylinders (maybe hundreds?) would be a big selling point for me. Do you know anything more about it? It looks too factory-finished to be a home-brew effort, but I shouldn't be too hasty in my assessment of the old-time home carpenters, either. Some of them turned out a fine product.
All told, it looks like it was a fine show of some great stuff. Hope I get there one of these days!
The dealer selling the encased Amberola 50 wasn't certain of its history, but I think he believed the piece started out as a regular buffet or chest of drawers. The craftsmanship was of a medium quality. The drawers were deep enough for cylinders, and I agree it would be a handy piece to store them, and also assemble several on both sides on the top while playing.
The asking price was $1500 IIRC.
The Electrola was the Tuscany model, and looks a bit better in the photo than in person. Asking price was also $1500, I think.
I enjoyed the show; it was my second time in two years.
Bob