Stanton's Auction Prices Realized

[Victrolacollector]

I made a few videos to show my wife, and Steve Stanton gave me permission to post them on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWc-RZfW4xQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EkMEhr-Anw

I was bidding on the desk Reginaphone and making the video at the same time, with dubious results......

Raphael

Raphael:

Thanks for the videos, that was a great glimpse into one of these auctions. I have never been to one of the Stanton's Auctions, however I used to see their ads.

I think the phono market is soft and saturated for the more common machines. Alot of the interest in these machines seems to be dwindling amongst the next generation. I am 42, and may be the last generation with the largest pool of collectors.

Its all good, we can get and enjoy more of what we want at lower prices.

Happy holiday weekend,

Jerry P.

[Victrolacollector]

How much did the nickel ornamental base bring for Columbia Q? I have always wanted one, but never found one in my budget, I just could not see paying more for the base than for the machine. I wish someone would make reproductions in the $100-$150 range.

[Raphael]

Raphael, did you get it?

Yes, I was the high bidder. I haven't seen one like this available for many years. Have no idea where I'm going to squeeze it in, especially this time of year when my wife commandeers space for, of all things, a Christmas tree!

Raphael

[phonojim]

Glad you got it. It is a stunning piece, one that I have never seen before. I also got a chance to hear it play after the auction on Thursday and it sounds wonderful. You got it just in time to play your Christmas discs.

[Uncle Vanya]

Thank you for posting. I was there and looked at many of the machines you mention. Some of the machines had issues, some serious. One or both (I can't remember) of the flat top Pooley VTLAs had a complete set of albums, but they were the later 17 record albums, not the boxes that would be proper for them. The Victor V (lot 270) had the large black MG horn and, at $1850, sold for right around the same price as one I bought at Stanton's over 15 years ago. I felt that some of the Victor VIs sold for prices appropriate for their condition and, as always, condition is everything. Some of the machines had been refinished, not necessarily well done; some had obvious reproduction parts; an otherwise nice maroon Gem had half the paint missing from its horn bell, several had repainted horns, etc. That is not to say that there weren't many very beautiful things at the auction - there certainly were. It's just that in order to make a well informed judgement you really need to be there to see the actual merchandise.

Uncle Vanya, I agree with you - lower prices allow me to build more of a collection than I was able to years ago and at 71 years old, I'm not worried about the long term value - just enjoying it now.

A couple of other prices realized:

251MC - Brunswick Cortez, electric - about $650.00 = 10%
319G - Mahogany Amberola V - S550.00 + 10%
400V - Potmetal O reproducer - $220.00 + 10%

I was lucky enough to to get the SECOND electric Brunswick Cortez, for $250. It is every bit as nice as the first, save for a small cigarette burn which kept the fellow who exports to Japan out of the bidding. It was filled with, well, "interesting" records, too!

[Phonolair]

How much did the nickel ornamental base bring for Columbia Q? I have always wanted one, but never found one in my budget, I just could not see paying more for the base than for the machine. I wish someone would make reproductions in the $100-$150 range.

If I remember correctly it sold for $175

I to attended the auction and as always it was great. I have attended this auction for at least 25 years now and probably still have auction catalogs going back that far or further.
Over the years prices have been up and down and up and down. As others have said the good and rare stuff had strong bids. The items that went for what seems cheap prices usually had a reason why. Remember the room is full of knowledgeable collectors and dealers, nothing is receiving low bids with out a reason.
There where many nice items to be had, and everything is sold, no bids passed or unsold lots because of a reserve.
I have never collected for an investment, only to enjoy. When the time comes to sell, it will be what ever it is. Make money great, lose money that's the cost of the hobby. Most hobbies of any kind cost the person money.
I'm already saving my money for the spring auction and keeping my calendar clear.

Regards, Larry Crandell

[phonojim]

Very well stated, Larry.

Jim

[mark gaisser]

HELLO GANG,
YES THE PRICES WERE LOW ON SOME ITEMS BUT IT WAS OVER 1500 ITEMS WITH ALL THE ADDITIONS AND THAT IS A LOT OF PHONOGRAPH ITEMS TO HIT THE MARKET......BUT WE ARE ALL FORGETTING THAT A LOT OF THE EUROPEAN DEALERS IF NOT ALL WERE NOT PRESENT BECAUSE HOW POOR THE EURO IS SO THE MARKET FOR PHONOGRAPHS IS SOFT NOW DUE TO THAT.
OVERALL I BOUGHT A LOT TO RESELL AND ADDED TWO MUSIC BOX'S(THAT AREA IS REAL SOFT) AND A PROJECT SCHOOL HOUSE FOR MY COLLECTION AND WAS VERY HAPPY.
EVERYONE HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING.
MARK AND D'ARCY

[MicaMonster]

Stantons Fall Auction 2015

This Fall Stanton's auction was again a great gathering of friends, food (Turkeyville brought the goods!), and great items. I always look forward to seeing the same group of friends, and meeting new people in the phono hobby. It is always a pleasure to hang out with Uncle Vanya and my small group of co-conspirators which I have self-labeled the "Michigan Irregulars," as well. With one, I talk about records. With others, machines. With some, restoration techniques. Although only one or two are actually from Michigan! Often the simple exchange of rare knowledge is worth the drive out.

In response to the comments pertaining to the hammer prices of phonographs, I feel that the basis for price fluctuation is just as volatile as our stock market. Just imagine on the Nightly Business Report: an announcement of the fluctuating TALKING MACHINE INDEX (TMI)! The TMI is driven by (a) relative rarity, (b) market saturation, (c) prevailing economic strengths, and (d) buyer emotions. Yes, there was a time when Victrola XI's were at a low of $75 per share, but the prices are trending upward as new people join the hobby. When dealers are paying more for resale machines, this indicates that their inventory is selling. High-end machines like Class-M, ratchet wind Berliner, and early primitive examples will always command higher prices. These are our blue-chip machines. Off brand low end machines are the penny stocks.

I am a strong believer that the fascination of a mechanical machine that plays music and talks is nothing short of magic, and is timeless in its charm and nostalgia. The compulsion to collect I believe is genetically encoded, and a healthy activity. I didn't find phonograph collecting listed in the DSM-V, so I unofficially endorse it!

All it takes is one machine to get the infection. For me, it was a Victrola 8-9.