The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Well my Edison Spring Model machine arrived today. It is nicer than I thought it was. It was packed excellently and arrived safe and sound. Now to make room for it.

Thank you Raphael for a great machine. I'm sure I'll find some more.

Rich Gordon

Nice machine Rich. Is this the oldest machine you have now? Careful with the crank it is so close to the side of the phonograph.

Kevan

Not sure Kevin. The Spring Motor is SN-7426 and I'm not sure what the date of it is. My Standard S283 from early 1898 is probably close to it. Maybe someone can help me date the Spring Motor.

Rich Gordon

Nice one, Rich! Congrats!

I just returned from yet another trip to visit Raphael and again came home with some real treasures. Most of you fellow collectors don't realize how void South Florida is with this hobby. I have been collecting for over 30 years and I have beaten many paths just to get any common machine. What this collection represents is 100x what I have spent countless hours chasing and it's all under one roof. The best part is that dealing with Raphael is enjoyable. He is prepared, organized, knowledgeable, and fair. There is something for all collectors both new and advanced. I'm already planning my next visit. Thanks, Raphael.

Joe,

It's always good to see you, especially when you leave with a truck full of stuff, ha ha. Thanks to you and a few others, we've put a big dent in the collection inventory, but there's still 5 storage units full to the brim, so keep on coming back!

And, as Rich (and others) know, I can pack and ship anything, anywhere, safely. Although, I will admit, the Mills Viiolano may be a bit of a challenge.

Raphael

The collection is thinning out day by day, some folks who have come in person not only got great deals but had an opportunity to see some stuff that hadn't made it to the website yet. About 60-70% of the collection has been sold, but there are still a lot of nice phonographs and some great music boxes left.

So far, I've only put a few of the higher-end pieces on eBay, but that may change as time passes. Don't miss out on a great opportunity to acquire something from this world-class collection.

Here's a look at what's remaining: http://www.musicaltreasuresofmiami.com/ ... ction.html


Raphael

I read the message posted above by Victor I and, having grown up in Florida, I can concur and sympathize with his collecting frustrations. During the early phonograph years of the 20th Century there were so few people living south of Orlando that there are few phonographs or records to find there. Moving to New England as i have, it was a REVELAION to find phonograph horns at yard sales, stacks of records in everyone's attics and barns, and 10 Victrolas on Craigslist to choose from every week. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

Regards, Green Mountain Bill

I recently bought a machine from this collection and I absolutely love it. I was a little hesitant, but it was a particular model I wanted for a long time. It had to be mailed cross-country and Raphael definitely knows how to pack. It arrived perfect and I'm extremely glad I bought it. It looks better in person than in the photos. It's also appears to have been well-cared for. I'm used to buying fixer-uppers, but it was fun buying a machine that was already quite nice. I haven't seen any of the other machines in person but lots of other people here have. I can certainly recommend Raphael as a straightforward dealer and excellent shipper. There's a lot of nice machines left and if I had more money to burn and more room, well, more would be on the way to my house!

John,

Thanks for the kind words. It was a pleasure dealing with you.

Despite brisk sales, there indeed are a lot of good machines left, many of which I would buy for myself at the prices they are being offered at. I am completely out of space in my house, so my buying them only to have them sit in storage doesn't make sense.

I will be at Wayne (just looking, not exhibiting) next week in case anybody wants to discuss any of the items.


Raphael