The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

When I was in high school, my sister came across a portable phonograph at a garage sale, and knowing my interest, wanted to buy it for me for my upcoming birthday. After asking about the price, she found she was a bit short on cash and offered a check, which was declined. At the time, we had very close family friends on the same block, so close that we called them Uncle and Aunt. (Uncle Tony was also my Godfather.) My sister asked the seller to hold the machine for a few minutes because Aunt Grace would certainly cash a small check for her. The reply was, "If Grace is your Aunt, your check is good here."

I did indeed get the portable for my birthday. It was an Outing brand, a heavy machine made of solid wood, with a removable tonearm that was stored in the horn compartment. I think it was only my second machine ever. It was my daily player for many years until I had an apartment of my own. I still have it, well over 40 years later.

Years ago, when people still read the newspapers, I ran a wanted ad for phonos. A gentleman called me with a Victrola that I knew I did not want. However, I learned early on that it is a good idea to go and look at things because you just never know what else is there.

I looked it over and told him I would pass because I was really more interested in Edison cylinder players. He said he had one in the attic over the garage. Up we went and even in the dim light, I could see an Edison Home with a mahogany case, all torn apart. There is lay, in a box, all in pieces. I asked the price and he suggested $100 which I gladly paid. I got it home and put it all back together and not one screw was missing.

He worked for a local moving company and was loading a family's furnishings into the truck. They brought the cylinder player out and decided against taking it along and said he could have it. I did not ask how it came to be disassembled and was surprised it was all there and needed no repairs.
Dave D

As my contribution, I might mention some machines which came to me as gifts.

About 50 years ago, my late brother Karl was visiting a schoolmate, and noticed his parents had an old phonograph sitting around somewhere. Knowing my interest, he asked if he could have it to give to me. They consented, and thus I acquired my model A Edison Home. At the time, it had an H reproducer, missing the stylus bar; after some negotiation with my parents, they found a model K, which is still on it.

Many years later, I had mentioned to my therapist my interest in talking machines: later, he presented me with a BZH that had belonged to his folks; and some years later, he surprised me with an ITC Edison Standard B, in excellent original condition, with original 14" horn, and several cylinders (including some language lessons, and a few of the books that went with them).

- Bill