Cottone Auction

[USlakeside]

plus a precent or two here or there for phone bidding, or live auctioneer bidding. It adds up.

[phonogfp]

Well, Larry's right - some of the items went very reasonably, even with the buyer's premium. Unfortunately, the items that interested me went for over $10,000, and as US Lakeside points out, that additional 28% (BP + tax)becomes a real killer at those prices.

If I had been looking to acquire some different machines, it would have been a worthwhile auction for me to attend. Somebody got some good deals!

George P.

[Starkton]

Highlight of the auction for me was the "Vitiphone"; "Made in the U.S.A. for Export." Since May 1900, the product name "Vitaphon" was protected by Deutsche Grammophon. They also protected "Adaphon", but I don't know why.

[Larry Hawes]

15% premium if paid by wire, 17% if credit card. 7 boxes of items from NY to Seattle $270 UPS Ground. Packing in house no charge. LH

[Larry Hawes]

Of note, the biggest surprise of the sale was the earlier pictured Vitaphone that went for $12,870 including the buyer premium. No horn or reproducer or traveling arm. Guess those sitting on any of these just hit their own version of the jackpot. Listening to the bidding there were a host of folks in the fray. LH

[Larry Hawes]

7 Large boxes arrived for some fairly small items purchased. Although I expressed a concern to Cottone during the settle up process I was assured that the did all packing in house. I have never seen anything like this. I have sent literally thousands of cylinders over the last 30 years and a number of machines. I thought my packing good but this was something. The main items were carefully taken apart separating wood from metal, then wrapped in their own boxes then placed in larger boxes then filled with expanding foam which form fit the box and the item. Short of being dropped out of the sky you cold have literally walked on these boxes. Everything in its place, well noted on each box and the best part...the packing was free. All boxes door to door UPS 5 days $275 or so. Amazing. Still lamenting that should have bought more. At those prices I felt as was back at Union in the 1980's. I would have no doubts about dealing with Cottone in the future. Nice people and very responsible. LH