The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

EarlH wrote:I bought an Edison home a long time ago from a dealer for $10 and when I was paying her and her husband for it, they told me it was "The damnedest sewing machine that they had ever seen" I didn't argue with them.

To the best of my memory, the following exchange occurred between us.....
"How much is the phonograph?"
"You meant that record player there?"
"No, dammit. The phonograph; I want a phonograph, not a record player."
"Well Sir, it's like new."
"I want an old one...how much?"
"Two hunnerd. And it's got scrolls with it."
"That's too bad, I was hoping it had some tubes to play."
"Well, whatever the hell it is it's two hunnerd bucks."
"I'll give you one fifty just to get rid of me."
"Huh??"
"Ok, you win, I'll split the difference with you."
(Animated chattering amongst themselves)
"Well, ok. Gimme 125 a take it away."

Panatropia wrote:Damned curious thing about antique autos and phonographs. One memory I treasure above rubies.....
Years ago I was down to Hershey. Selling antique auto parts. Perhaps buying a car or two; browsing the stalls.
I encounter a 4 clip suitcase Standard, being vended by the most "Deliverance" looking hillbillies I've ever encountered. Selling out of a rusty, dented old Divco milk truck.

To the best of my memory, the following exchange occurred between us.....
"How much is the phonograph?"
"You meant that record player there?"
"No, dammit. The phonograph; I want a phonograph, not a record player."
"Well Sir, it's like new."
"I want an old one...how much?"
"Two hunnerd. And it's got scrolls with it."
"That's too bad, I was hoping it had some tubes to play."
"Well, whatever the hell it is it's two hunnerd bucks."
"I'll give you one fifty just to get rid of me."
"Huh??"
"Ok, you win, I'll split the difference with you."
(Animated chattering amongst themselves)
"Well, ok. Gimme 125 a take it away."

Still have the machine.

outune wrote:Now THAT's funny, Earl... 'sewing machine'... Did they play "When the Red Red Robin Comes Bob Bob Bobbin Along?"

I once had a dealer try to sell me a late Victrola suitcase portable. His very emphatic selling tactic-- "It's from 1845, one of the first ones that Edison ever made." When I pointed out a 1921 patent date on it, he said-- "Well that's what the guy I bought it from said."


Brad Abell

EarlH wrote:I bought an Edison home a long time ago from a dealer for $10 and when I was paying her and her husband for it, they told me it was "The damnedest sewing machine that they had ever seen" I didn't argue with them.

VintageTechnologies wrote:After nearly 50 years of collecting phonographs, I have found that most antique shop dealers selling them know very little if anything about what they are selling. Helpful person that I am, I will often identify myself as a specialist collector and point out any gross deficiencies that might prevent a machine from operating at all. A working machine has better prospects of selling, doesn't it? Some people are very receptive to unsolicited advice, more often than not. Some are downright hostile. Old geezers are the worst - no punk "kid" knows more than they do. Women and younger men seem to have more humility.

I have lost count of the number times that some trusting shop owner has responded to my offer, "Loan me a screwdriver and an oil can and I'll have that playing in five minutes". I have often been rewarded with a few records from the cabinet.

Panatropia wrote:

VintageTechnologies wrote:After nearly 50 years of collecting phonographs, I have found that most antique shop dealers selling them know very little if anything about what they are selling. Helpful person that I am, I will often identify myself as a specialist collector and point out any gross deficiencies that might prevent a machine from operating at all. A working machine has better prospects of selling, doesn't it? Some people are very receptive to unsolicited advice, more often than not. Some are downright hostile. Old geezers are the worst - no punk "kid" knows more than they do. Women and younger men seem to have more humility.

I have lost count of the number times that some trusting shop owner has responded to my offer, "Loan me a screwdriver and an oil can and I'll have that playing in five minutes". I have often been rewarded with a few records from the cabinet.

I used to helpfully volunteer my knowledge and advice. Rarely worked. I now see the wisdom of following my Grandfather's maxim, to wit; "Keep your eyes and ears open. But keep your goddam mouth shut!"