Berliner? on Ebay

[pappde]

What is the collective wisdom about this machine?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Berliner-Phonog ... 330wt_1328
The reproducer looks genuine Eldrige Johnson, the tone arm and support looks replica.

[rizbone]

I'd be more concerned about an experienced collector with no feedback selling one of these given the amount of fakes out there.

[FloridaClay]

Unfortunately I would have to agree. A seller on eBay with zero past sales and a high-value item is a very big red flag.

Clay

[Jerry B.]

I live only a little over an hour away from this machine and I think it's the same Berliner that was recently on craigslist. I asked the ebay seller if I could drive to Portland to have a look. I have no real interest in the machine but I will report back. Just out of curiosity, how do you identify one of the Japanese reproduction Berliners that appeared in the 1980's? Thanks, Jerry

[Jerry B.]

I received a reply from the ebay Berliner seller and a phone number to come and inspect. If anyone want the number, send a PM. What are the clues that separate a Japanese reproduction from an original Berliner? Jerry

[Steve]

It's not genuine.

[Jerry B.]

Steve, I'm no authority on Berliners so could you tell us the basis for your opinion. When I look I see a New Century reproducer with age. It could have been an upgrade for the original owners. I see a side brake which is earlier. I see a support arm that looks new and the brass pivot for the traveling arm looks new and I suspect the horn is newer. What do you see? Thanks, Jerry

[Retrograde]

Jerry, I'm noticing that the seller says in the description that this machine is a "Replica Berliner phonograph", so...

Steve, I'd be curious as to what to look for to know the difference between an original and a replica. Knowing that this one is a replica, what's the tip off?

[Jerry B.]

Did the original listing say "replica"? I missed it if it did and I see that the starting bid was lowered to $2500. Back in the eighties, the replica Berliners from Japan were introduced. If my memory is correct, they were priced about the same as a nice original Vic R and I would personally rather have an original Vic R than the replica. Jerry Blais

[bbphonoguy]

The original ad did not say it was a replica. In fact, it was pretty explicit in stating that it was not a replica, so something must have happened to change the seller's mind.