The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I'm waiting to see if this machine is still available. Anything I should be on the lookout for? Thanks

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/ ... 50091.html

I'd be curious how Christie's affixed the 1912 date to it although they can't identify what model it is. It's usually the other way around isn't it? I'm not a professional auction guy, does Christies usually involve itself with $290 asking price items? I thought that they were one of the more 'exclusive' auction firms. Of course, I may just be paranoid..... John

1912 would be a fair guess, or perhaps a couple years later. It is typical of French-made Pathés of that period and appears intended for the English or Canadian market. The price is good and I'd buy it in a split-second if it was sitting in front of me.

Possibly an educated guess based on the parts? I suspect Christies has such name recognition they have franchised their operation to several auction houses. It looks like a pretty unique machine. I almost called yesterday but I don't have any room in the house (even for a portable). There is a nice Victor the 6th for sale in DC as well. (http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/ ... 18717.html).

Yes it is different - guess I'll run up there and take a looksee - thanks

The prestigious auction house of Christie's established a mechanical music department in 1975, but sadly closed it down a few years ago. It was headed by Christopher Proudfoot, author of "Collecting Phonographs and Gramophones", which was published as one of Christie's South Kensington Collectors Series.

It is possible that this machine passed through Christie's hands at some time in the past, or that the owner sought their advice as to it's date.

Pathé produced a great many different models, so I am not entirely surprised that this one defied identification, but I agree with the suggested date of about 1912.

The price seems reasonable and the condition, as far as can be seen from the photographs, looks good. The ball sapphire stylus should be checked as it can be expensive to replace. The bevel geared motor will probably hum a bit, but I have never heard one that didn't.

I would also consider this a good buy if it checks out when examined.

Clay

That's interesting as I bid on it last night also. I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens.

rgordon939 wrote:That's interesting as I bid on it last night also. I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens.

You bid on it?

brianu wrote:

rgordon939 wrote:That's interesting as I bid on it last night also. I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens.

You bid on it?

Curious about that as well. Usually the price in a Craig's List listing is the sale price. Did you make a lower offer then?

Clay