The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

ldelin wrote: I assume cabinets get destroyed in the flooding, so people try to sell whatever's left.

Hopefully someone finds the motors intact before they're sold for scrap metal.

I restored the exact same model machine a couple years ago and mine was in much worse shape than this one. Once restored it has a pretty nice sound but the motor is a bit weak. It is hard to say if this motor is original without opening the case. It could be that they lost the combined break/speed control and simply used the second crank to replace it. Still a bit concerned, because there seems to be a third hole to the right of the original crank hole. If you decide to get it I would advise you to keep all the pictures from the ebay posting, because it shows the brake/speed control you're missing. It also seems that "your" machine has the later Columbia Model 6 type reproducer instead of the earlier Concert Grand on mine. Works just as well, just noticing...

Here a link to the thread with my machine before and after http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... f=2&t=5128

Good luck!
Andreas

Alang, your machine is exactly what I had in mind. I love the shape and proportions of the horn, the egg & dart pattern on it's rim, and the simple black w/ gold pinstripes. I also like the simplicity of the cabinet. I'm going to keep in touch with the owner and be ready when he decides to sell. If it works out, I'll hope to impose on you for advice when it's needed. Now I'm curious, so if it's not poor form to ask; what is your total investment in the finished machine; and what do you consider it's actual value to be now? I certainly understand if you'd rather not answer either question in forum.

Once again, thanks to all of you who've been so helpful and forthcoming with advice and encouragement. It's a bit of a stretch, but you talking machine folks sort of remind me of sports car guys back in the 60's. Small in number, passionate about the hobby, and willing & happy to share info and resources. I'm glad I stopped by.

This was my first external horn machine, so I probably overpaid. Also, I bought the horn seperately in really nice condition, which wasn't cheap. In total I have about $300 in cash and countless hours of work in the machine. If I was trying to sell it I might get $600 max for it if I'm lucky, but only because it is in perfect working order and everything has been serviced. In general these off-brand machines tend to fetch a lot less money than Victor, Edison and Columbia. Also a restored machine is valued a lot less than a good original, especially for a collector. Your target buyer would be more someone who isn't a collector, wants a horn machine, but doesn't want a crapophone. With all the work involved it is really more for yourself, not to make money.
Good Luck
Andreas

alang wrote:With all the work involved it is really more for yourself, not to make money.
Good Luck
Andreas

Well said, Andreas.