The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

JohnM wrote: Sun May 02, 2021 6:40 am Too much. That’s a $600 machine on the best day.

edisonclassm wrote: Sun May 02, 2021 10:21 pm One of my favorite Columbia table model machines! Great playing and sounding machine. A simple machine but a good performer. It was one of the first outside horn Columbia machines I acquired when I was in my teens. The one you are showing looks to be in very fine original condition. If you like it and can afford it, make the guy a reasonable offer. You gotta ask yourself, is this a hobby? or an investment strategy? Just remember, the guy you would buy this from probably has an overhead to pay out every month so he has to try to get more than what you would pay at a flea market or from an individual. This is a relatively inexpensive hobby compared to other forms of recreation. Go buy a boat or do some world traveling and see what those recreational activities cost. When you come to a forum like this and ask what something is worth it can be very subjective depending on the situation at hand.

pallophotophone wrote: Tue May 04, 2021 1:36 pm If I were you, I'd be patient and wait to see if he'd drop the price after he has had it for a while with no takers. If he does get a byer that is willing to pay his price, then you can take solace in the fact that it just wasn't meant to be.

That is how I've justified not paying too much for something that will likely come around again. Or you will find another, better machine, for a better price. It has worked out well for me that way several times.

Best of luck in your searches !