Someone needs to save this!

[HisMastersVoice]

How many of you have infinite space to store low value machines that you can't GIVE AWAY? I highly doubt any of you.

Think about it. I gave away 3 machines to a younger kid in my area and wanted to give him MORE until his parents said "no more". I asked him if there was anyone else he knew who'd want them. No. I ended up trashing the cabinets that were a wreck anyway and keeping the parts. What else do you expect someone to do when you can't give something away that really isn't worth saving? I still have a few cabinets to gut and I welcome ANYONE to come and get them before I do. Don't all line up and PM me all at once!

Think about that before you respond....

Sean

I agree. While I hate to junk something that has managed to survive in any condition for this long, once can only store so many unwanteds, and if you can't sell it cheap or even give it away...

I had about 10 misc floor models in my garage several years ago. Most were common (Victrola XI) or not in great shape. I sold a few, gave a few away, but the rest had their guts and hardware removed and went on the curb and are probably shabby chic bars now. There's only so much you can do! I keep the data plate from every machine I've sacrificed, as a memorial.

[cweastlick]

I live in Cincinnati and I would drive to get it but I can't get a reply from the seller!

[JerryVan]

Well, I kind of agree with you all. I had 4 or 5 motors for off brand machines. I took them to our club chapter's silent auction, with a $1 opening bid. No interest... I figured that if they are unwanted among a bunch of collectors, then why is my responsibility to house and care for these things for the rest of my life? I was going to throw them away... Then, a local antique dealer came to visit, saw them in the box and asked, "what are those for". I told him, "they are for you"! GONE!

I, (we), need to think about this before we take on the next "lost cause" machine because we feel sorry for it. In general, I ask myself; if you buy this, will you even remember you own it one year from now. Shocking how often I have to answer; no. (No, my memory is not that bad.)

[EarlH]

I agree... there is NO market for phonographs... So, I'm hoping someone will throw away one of those old worthless Class Ms and let me know...

You say that, but a few years ago some people up by Minneapolis sold a Class M machine on craigslist for $300. It's kind of a long story, but they wanted offers and I didn't have enough sense to make them an offer. I called the guy and he said "We know what it's worth so don't waste our time" I called back the next day and they said the already sold it for $300. Ha! So it could happen again I guess. I know they guy that bought it and we have had a good laugh on that one. And I was an hour closer to it than he was!

[estott]

That is the cheapest machine in Victor's "Humpback" line - the least interesting of an unattractive style. If it is trashed it is no loss. The parts are worth more than the machine & they should be salvaged to make some more deserving machine live.

[JerryVan]

That is the cheapest machine in Victor's "Humpback" line - the least interesting of an unattractive style. If it is trashed it is no loss. The parts are worth more than the machine & they should be salvaged to make some more deserving machine live.

Let's burn them all...

[52089]

That is the cheapest machine in Victor's "Humpback" line - the least interesting of an unattractive style. If it is trashed it is no loss. The parts are worth more than the machine & they should be salvaged to make some more deserving machine live.

...until years from now when tastes change and collectors ask, "Why didn't anyone want these unusual and beautiful machines? Too bad they're no longer affordable!"

[Retrograde]

in another thread it was said that $200 for a ratty bog standard silvertone portable was a good price, yet this machine doesn't sell even at 50 bucks.

[Skihawx]

Hey someone came up to New Hampshire and bought the humpback for $50!
This older gentleman told me he bought it for his god daughter who collects old phonographs.
I do agree there are too many common machines floating around that I would not invest time or money.
But this one may be around a while longer. There was probably more than $50 in parts but I no longer have to worry about it.

[PeterF]

Over the years I have "saved" lots of decent-to-crappy old phonothings. Sometimes it has been well worth it, and others not so much.

Right now I have a few that just need to go away, like:

- empty, but very clean, Edison C-2 cabinet

- empty, decent but with a bad top surface, Victor VV 8-35 cabinet (can include 4-spring motor)

- partially gutted/incomplete Edison LP Console #1 cabinet (includes mech and horn but without LP components)

- complete (except for missing tonearm, but with a robust quiet motor plus awesome and truly beautiful blond spruce horn) Starr console

All located in the SF bay area. Need any of it?