Beautiful Kimball machine on ebay

[MordEth]

...that video is on my "arhhh! list". That fellow really needs to join this forum to learn about acoustic phonographs!

I wasn’t really paying attention to what he was saying—but yes, I probably should have put a warning about that (e.g. ‘watch this video muted’ or something close to that). It was obvious that he was trying to apply his knowledge and terminology of modern turntables to the acoustic machines.

Surely a speed control by any other name would play as fast...

Great video David.

I can’t take credit for the video, apart from finding it—thankfully I’ve been around people who have at least succeeded in making sure I use the right terminology, even if I am woefully ignorant of a lot of things.

I was impressed to find that on YouTube, though.

...that is a pivoting reproducer.

Thanks, I was hoping someone more knowledgeable than me could answer this–I thought it might be from the eBay photos, then thought that it probably was not from the video.

I assume the seller is not aware of this feature, or that would be touted as a selling point.

— MordEth

[bbphonoguy]

Looking closely at the outside finish I am not convinced the machine was refinished. I notice that the black wood filler is intact which says to me that maybe somebody seriously rubbed down the finish. The only way to find out is to ask the seller whether it is refinished or to see the machine in person.

Rick

I formerly worked in an antique restoration shop, and I'm pretty certain this has been redone somehow. What convinced me was the bare plaster applications that I mentioned in my last post. I've seen these on furniture before and, with the original finish, it's hard to tell them from the wood. The ones on this machine stick out like a sore thumb.

[JohnM]

As fate would have it, here's the same model in mahogany on Columbus, Ohio Craigslist for only $395! http://columbus.craigslist.org/fud/1068956670.html

John M

[JohnM]

They just keep getting cheaper! http://madison.craigslist.org/clt/1069085683.html There is also an empty Sonora bombe' cabinet on Craigslist in Janesville, WI for $100.
John M

[Victor78]

They just keep getting cheaper! http://madison.craigslist.org/clt/1069085683.html There is also an empty Sonora bombe' cabinet on Craigslist in Janesville, WI for $100.
John M

I don't know a lot about the Sonora line, haven't seen a whole lot of them around, but I bet that would be a fun project. That Kimball in the CL ad looks interesting, I think I know of someone who has one for sale too.

- Jim

[bbphonoguy]

The Kimballs in Columbus and Sun Prairie both have the sound box in the position to play lateral cut records, so maybe the sound boxes do swivel to play lateral and vertical discs?

By the way, the machine in Sun Prairie seems to have a more elaborate and attractive case.

[MordEth]

As fate would have it, here's the same model in mahogany on Columbus, Ohio Craigslist for only $395!

That appears to be a pretty nice find, although JohnM’s next find is an even better better one, in my opinion.

Did all of their machines have the same volume control mechanism?

— MordEth

[hr][/hr]

Kimball Mahogany Phonograph WORKS GREAT ~ $395 (Columbus, Ohio)

Reply to: [email protected]
Date: 2009-03-10, 2:58PM EDT

This piece is located at the Heritage Square Antique Mall in booth C122. This beautiful piece is a blast from our early music past. This gorgeous mahogany cabineted Phonograph is in working condition and has its original cranks, needles and castors. The bottom of the phonograph offers storage space and the top is kept in mint condition. This piece is a classy addition to any home.

Please note these pieces are for sale in a mall and may be sold by the time you are able to come in. You can however make purchases via telephone and then arrange for the items pick up. We offer layaway options and we help you arrange delivery of your new piece if needed.

We are located off Brice Road in Columbus.

For driving directions or more information feel free to visit our website www.heritagesquareantiquemall.com or please call us at (614) 864-8722.

Heritage Square Antique Mall
1865 Channingway Center Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43232

Hours:
Monday- Thursday 10:00 – 6:00 pm
Friday and Saturday 10:00 – 9:00 pm
Sunday 12:00 – 6:00 pm

• Location: Columbus, Ohio
• It’s NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests.

Craigslist PostingID: 1068956670

[MordEth]

They just keep getting cheaper!

Isn’t that the way of things, that if you keep looking you find better deals?

I assume that this one comes with the replacement lower door, or the owner will replace it prior to the sale?

— MordEth

[hr][/hr]

1918 Kimball Phonograph - $275 (Sun Prairie)

Reply to: [email protected]
Date: 2009-03-10, 3:18PM CDT

Full size Kimball phonograph, in great condition. Plays well, needs some minor work done to be perfect. The lower door needs to be replaced, I do have a door to replace it. Make me an offer. I also have a Beautiful Edison Standard for $800 Works, looks and plays great.

• Location: Sun Prairie
• It’s NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests.

PostingID: 1069085683

[larryh]

John,

Of course not knowing the whole history of this machine, I can just about be 99% sure that its refinished. The total difference in the color of the wood inside the lid is a tip off. I have never seen a finish that would have been that different on purpose, especially in that era. Also the near perfect look to the finish is most likely not something one would usually see either, with rare exceptions.
When I have had to touch up a finish when in keeping with the original look I always stop at the point where they did of the flat portion of the lid. Only I am doing as close a match or simply saving the original color as possible.

Yes its amazing those machines are all up right now. I was also pretty sure those heads would swivel.

Larry