Wow...I wouldn't go so far as to say "it's really not worth the time pursuing more information about it". In fact that is 100% his prerogative. Especially considering what he has written in one of his entries regarding his intentions. He specifically pointed out his desire to become more educated with respect to antique phonographs by saying, "one reason I am here is to learn, so I will be more knowledgeable in the future." That being said, I think he is entitled to pursue as much information about the phonograph as he would like.
Not one time did he imply that the phonograph to be auctioned is "rare" or is a "big ticket item". He merely posted a thread to let phonograph collectors know that this particular phonograph will be coming up in an auction for the sake that someone here may be interested in bidding. I see no harm in that.
Of course, comments were made about the Pathé record on the turntable, and I have to admit that I cringed a bit too when I saw it. But I think we should cut the guy some slack. Isn't it fair to say that every member of this forum had a point in time when they had to learn about the differences between laterally cut and vertically cut records? The auctioneer didn't know the difference just as we didn't at one point in time. I think it's up to us to provide him with some insight just as someone probably provided insight for each of us. As he said, he is trying to learn so he can be more knowledgeable in the future about these things. The least we can do is help him with his questions. I would be willing to bet if was advertising a really rare phonograph coming up at auction that the replies would tend to be more helpful and less abrasive. Just my opinion though...could be completely wrong.
Terry, many of the Columbia phonographs used pot metal in the production of the tonearms and tonearm bases. Pot metal tends to swell over time and often times these parts are found in a seized state. They are brittle and can be tricky to free up after seizing. I would imagine that the sticking of the record you described isn't in fact the record. I imagine its the pot metal tonearm base that has become tight consequently restricting the reproducer's ability to track the record grooves properly. I could be wrong though. It may in fact be the record. Either way, whoever ends up with the phonograph would need to replace the entire tonearm and base to achieve proper sound quality/volume.
Good luck at the auction. Brian was right about his price estimates. I would be surprised if it brings more than $100. But look at it this way, you learned some valuable information by posting this thread.
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