The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Django wrote: Sun Sep 03, 2023 3:40 pm
That said, I would almost rather be seeking it than owning one.

I think that's a great statement, most of the fun is in the hunt. That being said, I acquired this Automatic Reginaphone a few years ago and since then have had no desire to acquire anything bigger, better or rarer.

Raphael

Victor $3 Toy

This opinion might change for some. After you find and obtain that "holy grail", there will be a new "holy grail"

As I stated in another post, mine right now is a circassian VTLA L-door Victrola. I've had and still have a couple circassian Victrolas but would love to find a well cared for circassian VTLA. The search goes on.

Mike

I think my current holy grail is probably an Edison A-375. I saw one while visiting a friend recently and they're beautiful machines, and absolutely massive! They stand taller than me with the lid open, around 6 feet or so!

I'm hard-pressed to narrow down a single grail. I've owned several amazing machines, and have certainly coveted many others. It would make for a very long list.

But if I had to pick just one, I suppose it would be the brass Bergmann Exhibition Tinfoil Phonograph. Given that there's only one known to exist, and it is in a museum in Glasgow, I think it's a given that I'll never attain that goal. But I am happy to have second-best: an extremely precise replica, made for me by the late Bill Ptacek in 2002. It's as functional as it is beautiful. And it's massive, weighing in at 125 pounds.

At the risk of taking this post in a slightly different direction, I will answer as a quirky off-brand collector and history buff... lol

I am currently on the hunt for early production run Granby phonographs in 100% original condition. My "holy grail" does change a little as I have been very fortunate to acquire some awesome examples, already. However, there are some more obscure Granby models out there - so the hunt continues! They produced well over 12 variations.

Also, on the subject of off brand phonographs, I do know there is a table top Crystola in existence. I would LOVE to acquire that one as I have some two different Crystola floor models in my collection, already.

See? .... it never ends....

Shoot me a message if you see any of the above referenced phonographs at your local auction house or online! I will travel.

I have found several holy grail machines - a Perfected Graphophone Type G and a Victrola XX, but now am looking for a Pathé rooster store display on a 12" base - I have two variations on 10" bases...

I got my Holy Grail a few months ago and have just got it back from cleaning and servicing...It's an Idelia and the original Spruce horn was a bonus!

I don't know what my "Holy Grail" machine would be.. but I did recently acquire a machine I never thought I would be able to own. (At least not at this age anyways ) Albeit it was stripped by the previous owner... I am still overjoyed to have it. Plus I like a good project.


Cheers,
David

tictalk wrote: Mon Sep 04, 2023 12:01 pm

phonospud wrote: Sun Sep 03, 2023 4:38 pm At 56, I found my holy grail machine, and it’s on an even rarer Rookwood cabinet.

Very Nice Phonospud, I am curious on your mahogany painted horn what does the decal say? I have the same setup and the decal says No 11 cygnet, I was curious if any of them actually were marked Ideal or Idealia Thanks Larry

Hi Larry, the horn is indeed a No. 11. I have the mahogany bell for it too.
Cheers,
Darren