The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Several years ago I picked up a C250 Diamond Disc and in the bottom of the cabinet underneath the drawers was a condolence card from Harvard University concerning a student who died.

I've found all sorts of things inside of machines. This past Sunday, I picked up a VTLA and a type "E" XVI (the earliest non-L-door version). Inside the XVI horn (behind the slats) was a dirty magazine from 1972. It was probably the last time anyone had opened the horn doors to that machine.

Sean

Last weekend I got a Columbia Console Model 520 off Craigslist and must say I've never found that much stuff in one phonograph before: 1 comb, 1 ruler, 1 nearly empty tin of shoe polish, 1 old cigarette lighter, 2 song texts, and 12 old cigarette collectors cards.
Andreas

I was working on an Edisonic reproducer recently that has definitely seen better days. I gently blew in the reproducer neck to dislodge the original diaphragm. When it popped out I turned the top around to remove the corroded top gasket. This is what was staring back at me...
It was dead of course and apparently had become stuck when trying to get through the neck opening. My wife says I scream like a girl...

That's pretty gross!

beaumonde wrote:I'm sure we've had this thread before, but I suspect that many of the folks now perusing the forum were not doing so a few years ago.

In my Victor 1-5 portable the guy I bought it from found this photo (dated 12/26) of the original owner:

Both photos are terrific! As a history buff, I find it fascinating to see the same Victrola being enjoyed in two different eras. You are to be envied; I'm looking for a VV 1-5 to own myself. Enjoy.

Bruce

I'm hoping to find that great German wooden articulated "Felix" the cat that is right beside the machine. A very rare and $$$$ item indeed.

All I ever find is needles, needles, needles - buckets of them. You guys get all the luck!

I found about 3 metal spoons stuffed inside the slats of a VV-IX I was working on. Probably someones's kids stuffed them in there. Wonder if anyone ever tried to store records in those slats? You often see this area described as record holders.

I love the photo of the lady listening to her Victrola 1-50. It's such a personal item. Wouldn't she be delighted to know that her Victrola is being enjoyed and loved today. Jerry Blais