Portable Phonograph In Auction, Help With Information

[CarGuyZM10]

So we have a local auction house a few miles from me, where I usually get some good deals. Usually, they do not have much in the way of phonographs (though I did get my Edison Standard there), but as I was looking through the pictures of what they have coming up next week, I found this:





Could you tell me who made it? Do you think it is worth bothering with? How much are they worth? Or just any information you think would be helpful to me. Thank you!

[estott]

This machine was made in the later 20's by Prime Manufacturing of Milwaukee. They made many under contract so you see them with a variety of names, Edison used them to build one of his late portables. This one appears to say Silvertone, so it was sold by Sears. As to quality, these were well built- the arm is not made from pot metal so it won't fall apart. There is a long tin horn wrapped around inside the case so you can get good volume. Here are the bad things - this is in rough condition with rusted metal. You could get it cleaned up and looking much better but it is not worth the money to get the metal rechromed. If the reproducer has damage it can be tricky to fix. I wouldn't want to pay more than $50.00 for this maximum.

[CarGuyZM10]

Thanks for the information. That's actually what I wanted to hear. I have been watching for a cheap, reliable portable to take places with me, and not have to worry about protecting it as much. Besides, I already have an external horn machine, a cabinet machine, and a table top, so I need a portable. Assuming that it is in good mechanical condition, I will try to bring it home. I will let you know what I find when I see it next week.

Thanks again!