The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Lucius1958 wrote:Looks like the model # has been erased...... the S/N is pretty clear. 7X=Q

brianu wrote:wow, relax. expose him for what? it's hard to tell by the listing whether he has any idea what he has, let alone whether he created this thing himself - but short of his calling it a victrola - a term people throw around in error far too frequently - I don't really see any misinformation, let alone intentional deceit or fraud.

The deliberate act of fraud and deceit is obliterating the model number from the ID plate, I am not accusing the lister of anything as yet. But just curious as to whether he is the culprit and perpetrator of the foul deed, or whether he bought the thing and was totally innocent.

"I've got a storage room filled with a Wardrobe, MGM furniture, antique chairs, 1978 Lane glass top table, wooden chairs, Victrola phonograph, Black Leather chair, a small child's rocking chair, 2 trunks, vintage sink, vintage picnic set, Antique Commode, email with questions,
Lane Glass top Table 22 X 54 X 16 ½ $300
Wicker Glass top Table 34 X 34 X 28 $20
Trunk 21 X 36 X 19 ½ $250
Picnic set $150
Victrola $400
Child's Rocking chair $200"

and so far as his $400 price... who knows where a lot of people come up with the numbers they do... there seems to be a $2000 vv-50 on ebay at least once a week these days.

larryh wrote:Brianu stole my thoughts.. I never comment on these so called Crapophone threads. But I have to mention here that its very possible that someone who had a poor suitcase model and idea of how to create something of enjoyment for themselves cheaply might have made this as a sort of project. Sure those who are true collectors will turn their noses up at it. And also there is the possibility that it was made simply to deceive and make money, no way to really know. But it hasn't the usual glitz that most of the reproduction machines seem to have. It looks more to me like someone's attempt at making something out of nothing. I have myself on occasion built something that was based on an early design, an eastlake hall tree comes to mind. It was quite realistic and fooled a lot of people, I enjoyed making it and it fit the hall in the old historic home I had. The fun was in the creation of something out of nothing. I doubt we will really ever know what happened here, but as mentioned some unknowing buyer could have picked it up having absolutely no clue as to what it was, or you might have a very clever con who is just hoping to fool someone. I am pretty sure that if it came up at an auction around here there would be some people who would probably think that they purchased a old phonograph and perhaps never know the difference.

Larry