The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I think a good way to put this all in perspective is what can that money buy you instead of a nice phonograph.

I have not searched the web to find what other products would cost in 1917 but when my Grandfather returned from Europe after serving in WWII, 1945, as an aircraft electrician, he spent his $ 450 bonus on a new table saw and a drill press.

Now I know that is a few years later but it does show that phonographs were major purchases in their day, and it is also a lesson for those of us with the phonograph obsession. My Grandmother talked about this purchase for years afterwords as my Grandfather neglected to consult her first.

Sound familiar guys

Bruce

Silvertone wrote:In 1917-1920, the exchange rate was nearly 1.5 to 1, so the prices are more comparable if you factor this in.

This is far more realistic. Thanks for looking it up. So, the base model was $250 USD at it's introduction in 1916. In 1917 a $15 increase. In 1918 and 1919 $10 & $25 increase respectively.

Making the Oak & Mahogany base model top off at $300 USD. This equates to $450 CND in 1919. Yet, the flyer shows $495 CND.

So, what is $300 USD 1919 worth in today's money ?. According to one on line site...$4237.25 USD or $6358.87 CND (2014).