The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Starkton wrote:This year I turned 51 and took this date as an opportunity to slow down collecting considerably after 35 years of treasure hunting. Actually, I have accumulated enough and now it is time to get an overview and enjoy what I have. Furthermore, I want to give young collectors a chance to gain a foothold.

Reflecting on 2015: When I was still 50 I purchased the last phonograph I was really after: a Puck of late 1897/early 1898. It is missing the funnel, but I let me make one. Unhurriedly, of course.

Not too far off my age (a bit higher) or situation. The good news is that, in a desultory sort of way, I kept my record collecting hobby alive in the face of family commitments and ever diminishing available space. Continued a practice I started a couple of years earlier, being less hyper about acquiring new stuff and taking more time to enjoy what I already have. At this point, I have more machines than I can play, can play every kind of record that interests me, and have enough records that if I did nothing else but play them from now until my life expectancy I still wouldn't get through them all. Meanwhile, I have an active daughter in lots of activities who needs dad's support--so it just doesn't make sense to keep piling on the "stuff" as if there were an infinite number of tomorrows. (If there were no tomorrow, of course, it wouldn't make sense to pile on anything more at all! )

My most significant acquisition in 2015 has been my E.M.Ginn Expert Minor. The case is unrestored and even the paint on the horn appears to be original. With the help of kind friends the Collaro induction motor has been rewired to modern safety standards and the soundbox, an EMG 2-Spring, has been rebuilt.

I also acquired two more portables, bringing the portable total to 20, a nice round figure at which I had better stop for a while.

It is nice to read the various posts to this thread. We are all enjoying this hobby to whatever degree each of us can. Some with what they already have and others that found more treasures. I am one of the ones that found some remarkable treasures this year. First was the Edison E Triumph with an eleven panel wood grained horn and a Herzog base cabinet full of mint 2-minute wax records. Second, was the Columbia Baby Grand in Circassian walnut, and most recently the late model E Edison Idelia. Above all that, it was another great year meeting everyone at the Union show and the recent Staton's auction. The Union show is almost like a family re-union as I have know most of the dealers/collectors for over 30 years of attending the show. If you haven't made the pilgrimage to the Union show yet, it should be on your list of things to do.
I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!!!