What's on your short list?

[Steve]

Trademark machine, HMV 202 re-entrant, HMV Lumiere, Deluxe gold plated HMV 101 & 102, mahogany Deccalion (Sheraton style) with Dulciflex, Expert Senior horn machine(floor standing 'Special' model), Columbia BD Majestic, Pathéphone Modele 'E', Trombophone, Talkophone Sousa, Parlophone horn machine (jewel set case), Phrynis Model '10' with asymmetrical horn, Double Spring G & T 'Pigmy Grand', Le Concert Automatique Francaise (French coi-op cafe machine) with brass horn, HMV Model 12 Library Bijou Grand, G & T New Style No. 4 in mahogany, Algraphone exhibition model, HMV No. 7 with mahogany horn, FTA complete in leather travelling case......

Oh, wait a sec, I already have all of those apart from the Phrynis Model '10' with asymmetrical horn!

I need that one. Anyone got one for sale? Hint, hint........

[Steve]

Trademark
New Style 4 / Monarch Junior in mahogany
Zonophone Concert 90
Columbia BD Majestic mahogany
Talkophone Sousa
Pathéphone Modele E
Trombophone
Double Spring oak 'Pigmy Grand' (G & T)
Le Concert Automatique Francaise with brass horn (coin-op French cafe machine)
FTA gramophone with leather travelling case
Parlophone horm model with jewel set case
Phrynis No. 10 with asymmetrical horn
HMV NO. 12 Library Bijou Grand in walnut
HMV No.7 with mahogany horn
HMV Schools Model
HMV Lumiere of both types
Deccalion with Dulciflex systemn in Sheraton style mahogany made for Harrods
Algraphone in Rococo style
HMV 202 re-entrant
Expert Senior horn 'Special' model (floor standing)
HMV 101 & 102 in Deluxe red leather /gold plated versions
HMV Colonial teak portables: 112,113,114

Oh, wait a second, I already have these ( ) except the Phrynis No. 10 with asymmetrical horn

Can anyone help me with this search? Hint, hint........

[dd2u]

Amazing list. How long have you been collecting Steve?

Do you not like "ordinary" machines?

The collection shown by Pete is amazing. I have always assumed that it is slightly easier to "go shopping" for nice original machines in the USA than it is over here, where you can wait for years for just one to turn up. Is that the case, or do our American cousins have to work hard looking and be patient too? Or is it just a case of different things being common?

[phonogfp]

I have always assumed that it is slightly easier to "go shopping" for nice original machines in the USA than it is over here, where you can wait for years for just one to turn up. Is that the case, or do our American cousins have to work hard looking and be patient too? Or is it just a case of different things being common?

From what I've read posted by our Brit brethren, it seems that we colonials have it easier in general. Of course, when you're looking for some of the things on these lists, it isn't easy - no matter where one lives!

George P.

[edisonrestorer64]

I Envey All You guys that have Nice stuff wish I had a load of cash O well us poor folk can not afford anything good. all i have is an amberola 30 restored by me seen in June July article of Maps, an Edison B standard a D Home and a D standard and a d home parts machne with case o and a Victor Victrola Vv v3 not restored in tiger oak O and my baby My columbia my most treasured phonograph .

[Steve]

Amazing list. How long have you been collecting Steve?

Do you not like "ordinary" machines?

Well that list is getting close to about half of the actual machines I have - I think I have 57 in total. Ordinary machines? Well, I certainly started with ordinary machines but quickly moved on to the more unusual items only because I couldn't see the purpose of having a lot of common items that usually existed elsewhere in better condition! But if you're going to collect anything why not go for the best examples you can get or uncommon items that you won't see everyday? A well known writer on this subject once remarked to me that when a machine ceases to teach him something new about the hobby, it's time for it to go. I know what he meant now. Most items I have bought recently are a long way from my old 'comfort zone' and usually are an unknown quantity. This only makes these items more interesting to me. I know what every HMV machine should look like, so why bother to get my hands on every example I see.

I've been playing with gramophones for 22 years! They are toys, after all!

[FloridaClay]

Steve, your account, it seems to me, is a pretty good account of what happens with most of us. When we start out we really don't know enough to be very discriminating. I know I didn’t. You grab something that looks intriguing from the beginner’s standpoint that turns out to be common. But I don’t think that is necessarily a bad thing. I makes a good learning machine and, if it gives you the collecting bug, it motivates you to start digging and learning more. Over time you pick up more and more information and the collection matures.

I know I’ve learned a lot, and that I still have a lot more to learn. And most importantly, I am enjoying the journey.

Clay

[Steve]

And most importantly, I am enjoying the journey

I agree, Clay, that's the most important part - the journey! The trouble is has anyone ever told us what the destination is?

[FloridaClay]

The trouble is has anyone ever told us what the destination is?

Somehow I suspect it will always be just beyond where I am.

Clay

[dd2u]

If we are still enjoying it, and our family has not left us, and we are not featured on "The Hoarder Next Door", then the journey is fine. It could detract from it if we started to worry too much about the destination!