The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Believe it or not, it happened on eBay within the past couple of years. Just an example of the perils of using a single eBay sale as a "value guide" or "reference." I know of many others (a few of them mine), and I'm sure many members of this forum can attest to more.

George P.

phonogfp wrote:

gramophone78 wrote:Not too sure I would deem these horns as valuable...scarce for sure. Here is link for reference.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Authentic-Antiq ... 43e1dfa8b5

I'm not about to enter into a discussion of value, but this eBay listing was a Buy-It-Now offered by a seller who had no idea what it was. (He thought it was wood... I hope the buyer knew better!) Again - I'm not going to argue value, but eBay is notoriously inconsistent, and a Buy-It-Now from an unknowing seller is no better gauge of value than a garage sale.

Applying this same logic, a Victor Type A is worth $99.00, right?

George P.

I posted the listing for reference "only" (as I stated) for the initial poster to see and not to suggest a"value". As I wrote....I consider this horn to be "scarce". Funny how three have appeared in the last couple months..when it rains it pours....I guess... .

gramophone78 wrote:

phonogfp wrote:

gramophone78 wrote:Not too sure I would deem these horns as valuable...scarce for sure. Here is link for reference.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Authentic-Antiq ... 43e1dfa8b5

I'm not about to enter into a discussion of value, but this eBay listing was a Buy-It-Now offered by a seller who had no idea what it was. (He thought it was wood... I hope the buyer knew better!) Again - I'm not going to argue value, but eBay is notoriously inconsistent, and a Buy-It-Now from an unknowing seller is no better gauge of value than a garage sale.

Applying this same logic, a Victor Type A is worth $99.00, right?

George P.

I posted the listing for reference "only" (as I stated) for the initial poster to see and not to suggest a"value". As I wrote....I consider this horn to be "scarce". Funny how three have appeared in the last couple months..when it rains it pours....I guess... .

I remember in 1983, three different Amet Echophones surfaced at various phono shows. I bought one of them, but had been attending shows for only about 3 years at that point, so my impression was that these machines must not be too rare. Accordingly, when an example of an Echophone labeled "METAPHONE" appeared, I decided I'd wait until the next one came along... There's a show I'd like to re-do!

That METAPHONE is still the only one known, and since 1983 I doubt if I've seen more than 4 or 5 Echophones at phono shows.

George P.

Just for the record, I never said that it was valuable. But I did think it was worth what I bid on it at the auction and so did a dealer who came up afterward and told me he should have gone higher. I just had not seen any of these horns, only pictures and references on this forum. I couldn't see the whole horn on the other thread but thought this one must have been the same kind. Just wanted to verify The estate I bought it at was in Vermont and I believe it was originally bought in New Hampshire not far from where the horns were made.

I also thought the cardboard reproducer box was neat. I had not seen one of those before either.

Again, thanks to all for the wonderful information on anything and everything related to talking machines.

Rick M.

Amberola wrote:Very nice horn and valuable. You don't see many of them.

No, you sure didn't. I was referring to Ronnie's comment.

The cardboard boxes are simply a bonus. The whole package is a great find.
Congrats!!!.

Here is a picture of the bag from Desautels Music House that came with the records from the same estate. Also this is the record cabinet that came with the machine. It is grain painted like the horn. Unfortunately it was missing the door.

Small world story. My son and I were staying on the New York side of Lake Champlain at the time (couple of months ago). We took a day trip over to that auction. Beautiful setting, Holsteins in the field, mountains in the background, a gorgeous day, lots of nice stuff. Your machine was under the tent on the stand. All the stuff came out of that house, and the house had been sold. Your machine was clearly untouched in original condition. In fact I was standing next to you in the back just inside the tent. You bid on a tambour desk but it went to someone else. Am I right? In fact I even made a comment to you when the auctioneer claimed that desk was ca. 1790. Nope, I commented that it was more like 1820-30, and you agreed. Have I got the right person and right machine?

Hi jboger,

Indeed you do! As you can see the machine cleaned up nicely. Now I just need to get the governor springs and put the motor back together. My wife and I made the trip up from VA for a few days and did some sight seeing while we were there. It was a beautiful day that day and you described the setting perfectly!