The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Benjamin_L wrote:They're really nice machines. (I would've thought they wouldn't go under $300, so one in rough shape for $200 would be an okay price.) I wonder why they've dropped in price?

I remember one a while ago that sold for $700 in good shape here in Nashville.

I hate to generalize, but it seems the earlier model C 250 is more sought after than the C 19 -- though they're essentially identical (other than a few minor changes to the features) -- and certainly oak cabinets are more popular.

If this were an oak cabinet, I think most of us would call it a fair deal.

Fran

I have to agree with the comments of others that this is essentially a project machine. There are many more out there in much better condition fully operational and presentable for the same price.

I'm a little disappointed to know a high model Edison like this appraised so low.

It's sad they've dropped in price. (But the one listed is in rough shape.)

Well, another way to look at it is someone who would otherwise pass old phonographs by due to high prices may be more likely to pick one up and save it for future generations.

My best advice is to be a knowledgeable and discriminating buyer. There is nothing wrong with buying a project machine but the initial price should reflect the fact that a lot of work needs to be accomplished before the machine is ready to be enjoyed.

I knew a collector that attended one of the larger regional phono shows. At the show a couple of nice Victor IIIs sold. One had a Victor black & brass horn and the other a black Victor Flower horn. Both sold in the $1200 range and both were nice original machines in good condition. A short time later that collector called to see if I was interested in his Victor III. He replied that the ones at the show sold for $1200 so he thought he'd ask the same. I had seen his Victor III and knew that it had a cheap aluminum horn elbow, part of a corner column missing, and the overall condition of the finish was marginal. He was not a discriminating buyer and did not differentiate the difference in value between a project and complete machine. I did not wish to pay full price for a project so I thanked him and declined his offer.

The first step in becoming knowledgeable is to ask questions just like you did when you started this thread. I hope you ask more questions. I hope you enjoy our hobby.

Jerry B.

Jerry B. wrote: The first step in becoming knowledgeable is to ask questions just like you did when you started this thread. I hope you ask more questions. I hope you enjoy our hobby.

Jerry B.

I love it! I started off with a Silvertone three years ago and have never stopped!

I saw this Edison and because of my very little knowledge of them thought it was a good deal.(I was just snooping on eBay and thought I'd share it because of my assumption of it being a good deal.) I'm going to just stick with Silvertones.

Benjamin_L wrote:

Jerry B. wrote: The first step in becoming knowledgeable is to ask questions just like you did when you started this thread. I hope you ask more questions. I hope you enjoy our hobby.

Jerry B.

I love it! I started off with a Silvertone three years ago and have never stopped!

I saw this Edison and because of my very little knowledge of them thought it was a good deal.(I was just snooping on eBay and thought I'd share it because of my assumption of it being a good deal.) I'm going to just stick with Silvertones.

Keep asking questions, and keep looking around: you may find a bargain Edison yet!

Bill

Lucius1958 wrote:

Benjamin_L wrote:

Jerry B. wrote: The first step in becoming knowledgeable is to ask questions just like you did when you started this thread. I hope you ask more questions. I hope you enjoy our hobby.

Jerry B.

I love it! I started off with a Silvertone three years ago and have never stopped!

I saw this Edison and because of my very little knowledge of them thought it was a good deal.(I was just snooping on eBay and thought I'd share it because of my assumption of it being a good deal.) I'm going to just stick with Silvertones.

Keep asking questions, and keep looking around: you may find a bargain Edison yet!

Bill

There are so many of them if you look hard and do your homework! Without bargain machines, I would probably have none...

Best,
Fran