Received victrola?, need info

[iowacoldchick]

I received a Cheney Talking Machine Co. victrola? from my grandpa's estate and know nothing about it. Not really computer savvy to search the web and was told to check here. I don't really want to keep it, so maybe advice for selling? It has records with it, and also has a brass label which says 'Berkey & Gay Furniture.' I have more picts.

[Phototone]

You should know that you should ABSOLUTELY NOT PLAY the Edison record you show on the turntable in your photo with this machine. It will ruin it.

[SonnyPhono]

It's common to see Edison records which are vertically cut when recorded on machines that are designed to play laterally cut records. The majority of people out there who inherit a phonograph or buy one on a whim don't know much, if anything at all about them. So first things first...don't play Edison records on any phonograph but Edison phonographs.

Your phonograph looks to be in fair condition. It needs a bit of cabinet cleaning and waxing/polishing. The nickle plated hardware looks to be in good condition from what I can see in the picture. I am not sure how much you are looking to sell it for, but here's my two cents.

Cheney phonographs aren't as highly sought after as Victrola, Columbia and Edison phonograph. Consequently, they don't usually bring as much money. I don't know much about Cheney phonographs. By looking at yours, I would tend to think it's a common model. It may be worth $100 or $150. Again, that's just a guess. I may be off on this but thought I would offer my opinion.

Feel free to post an ad on in the Trader Joe section of the forum. You might find a buyer there.

[estott]

You've got one of the less expensive machines from the Cheney line- here's a link to catalog images, searching Cheney on this group will bring up more information.

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... ney#p12988


As a general rule Cheney machines are of very high quality but they aren't highly sought after- the more elaborate cases are more popular with collectors. That said, your machine looks to be in good condition (from the one picture) and it's oak which is popular. When new it had a small cardboard box with it that contained an additional head for the arm to play Edison and Pathé records, plus the special jewel points needed for them. If you can find those pieces it's very helpful. Sometimes you'll find the box stored inside behind the horn.

[antique1973]

My very first phonograph was a Cheney console in mahogany. For a non-mainstream brand
the quality was very good, in sound and materials. I would have to second the motion
that the entry level upright would go for $200 or less in the current market.


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