The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello,
I am often surprised with some of the prices that are realised on EBay. Just in the last few days an Edison Standard model D sold for $1249.00!! It was in fantastic condition and I guess that commands a premium,but that much??
Pete

Without a link or other information, it's just a guess that this was sold by a well-known seller who typically gets premium prices for his items. The items are nicely cleaned and adjusted, the pictures are gorgeous, the descriptions tantilizing, and judging by feedback, very good overall service. Price is secondary for his buyers, in my opinion. The obvious time and care spent in preparing these listings usually pays off in the end.
Bob

This may be the one referred to. I think it was sold by a forum member.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pristine-Edison ... 3a7d3735f5

barnettrp21122 wrote:Without a link or other information, it's just a guess that this was sold by a well-known seller who typically gets premium prices for his items. The items are nicely cleaned and adjusted, the pictures are gorgeous, the descriptions tantilizing, and judging by feedback, very good overall service. Price is secondary for his buyers, in my opinion. The obvious time and care spent in preparing these listings usually pays off in the end.
Bob

Agreed. It is amazing how many listings I see where they haven't even bothered to wipe off a thick coat of dust!

This one did go for a couple of times the usual price though, and with a refinished case at that.

Clay

I could be wrong, but I think this Standard D belonged to our own Sonnyphono. and not the guy from the Carolinas.

Wes

that's a lot of bids, too - more than 50.

I'm curious about the buyer, whether it's an international one. often high prices seem to result from either "enhanced" auctions and shill bidding or the fever shared by two people who have to have a certain thing. although more recently I've been noticing other causes. some foreign buyers, especially in asia with the explosion of new wealth there and the declining value of the US dollar, seem to be spending more than the norm for various machines. someone else wrote earlier on this forum about standard edison cylinder machines selling regularly for twice the going rate to buyers over there. I recently sold a very clean original schubert to someone in japan for my asking price (which was less than I paid for it just a couple years ago), despite being told by a few people (some who post here) that it just wasn't worth that, was instead only worth half or two-thirds what I wanted (which was between 900 and a thousand). on top of that, the shipping costs to get it over there actually amounted to more than the guy paid for the machine itself.

sometimes the unusually high prices for things are just a temporary quirk. there's a guy, for example, who uses antique radio horns to make vintage looking acoustic sound amplification set-ups for iphones. they're pretty cool, but he can only make so many at a time given the amount of work involved and the limited availability of the original horns. so they're not cheap. who knows how long he'll be doing it (although apparently restoration hardware now sells its own version, but with reproduction horns), but the type of horns he uses seem to be selling for higher prices now on ebay than they used to.

Egads. This reminds of something I'd forgotten long ago: somewhere in this house is a Standard which I bought and never even opened the box. I don't know which model it is ( I did open the box with its horn, after about 10 years in the attic.) .. might be a box of bricks, for all I know.

Will report when I find it. .. (update follows)

Ugh. A Standard 'C', with 2/4 gears. No crank, reproducer, crane foot, gear cover, lid handle (mounts are there) ... I can't remember if these parts came in a separate box or what ... I have the horn (black MG)& crane, but no chain. I DO remember seeing the foot somewhere, but not knowing what it was.

Expect to see me on one of those horrible "Hoarders" programs !

flashpanblue wrote:Hello,
I am often surprised with some of the prices that are realised on EBay. Just in the last few days an Edison Standard model D sold for $1249.00!! It was in fantastic condition and I guess that commands a premium,but that much??
Pete

I just looked over that machine. I agree that mechanically, it's a beauty. I mean all parts look great!
But,. I see two things wrong. First, that is the wrong horn. If you look at the pictures of the motor you can see a groove on the top edge of the bottom case. That's for the original crane. This machine originally came with a large straight black standard horn from the factory.
Next point.
I'm certain case was proffessionally refinnished. First, the height of the decal. Note that it is close to the base, instead of centered, and, looks like it may alwo be a little towards the side of the crank.
Then, look at the dot over the I on Edison decal in front.
The original dot comes to a point on top.
On this one notice it's round on top, and, flat on bottom.
That's a repro.
Very nice machine, indeed, and, hardware is beautiful, but, albeit well done, case definately looks refinnished. Don't get me wrong. No harm in that. I just feel the decal should have been better installed, and, if they sold this as an original finnish, personally, I doubt it very much.
In any case, too rich for me.
But, bed plate sure is a beauty.
Bill Cahill

From the listing description-

Up for consideration is a pristine and very clean Edison Standard D 2/4 minute cylinder phonograph machine. The machine has been professionally serviced and runs very quite and smooth. The reproducer has been rebuilt by Stephen Medved, and the motor has been cleaned and oiled. The bed-plate and pins-striping is all original. The case has been professionally restored using the techniques and materials originally used. The 14" witches hat horn and Model H (4 minute) reproducer are reproductions.