The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I prefer original machines, so I would definitely have passed on this painted fantasy unless it was for parts only and very cheap.

This is an excellent example of why I strongly encourage fledgling phonograph and gramophone collectors to educate themselves about machines before examining a prospective purchase. There is a wealth of well-researched reference material currently available that was compiled by experts. Mulholland Press has published books and digital editions covering Edison, Columbia & Victor. See link below. The large-format books written by Tim Fabrizio and George Paul are also excellent guides to the hobby. I wish these had been available decades ago when I started collecting. Back then, there were only 2 books available, and they were far from perfect. Great strides have been made since then thanks to the work of a small cadre of dedicated enthusiasts.

All too often, inexperienced people post here AFTER their purchase, only to discover they bought an Edison Standard Model B in a Model D case (or vice versa), or they were fooled by a Frankenphone.

http://mulhollandpress.com/

The advice from AZ is really good. I would also encourage any newer collector to cultivate a friendship with a more experienced collector. The newer collector needs full confidence in his mentor friend and have complete confidence that a potential lead will not be compromised. That trust should never be violated. Ideally it would be nice to be near your phono friend but with instant communication a long distance friendship would work fine.

I'm not an expert on everything and I've called friends on the east coast for their best long distance opinion.

Jerry B.