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I wanted to give a shout out to "Firebottles" for publicizing the true nature of the wooden-cased "Berliner" and "Eldridge Johnson" needles that have been circulating for 15 years or so. These are unfortunately fakes and one must presume - based on the significant prices they have sometimes brought - that these were meant to deceive the collecting community. They're very well done (I've examined a couple personally), and I regret to report that more than one collector has been taken in by these fakes over the years. Thanks to "Firebottles," the truth is getting a fresh public viewing. I admire his honesty.

Here's the auction in question which features the "Eldridge Johnson" variety. (Note that there are also "Berliner" needles with similarly aged labels that surface from time to time.)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canister-of-Eld ... 2c7a816510

And here's a photo below...

George P.

Here,here George. Not to toot my own horn, but I contacted him over a year ago when he first started to list these. He was so grateful to me for informing him of this. As he wrote....."reputation is very important and not worth ruining over a few dollars". I believe I have brought these "fantasy" pieces up in threads to warn our members in the past. I hope it has stopped many from a bad buy.

They do look good though. However, (as you wrote) not for several hundred dollars some have sold for.... .
I could be wrong, but I think there are "three" variations of these.....???.

Thanks George, it's nice to hear about the "good guys". I'll remember "Firebottles" and watch his listings with the knowledge that he is honest.

That really counts in my book, above all.

Having dealt many times in the past with Grant (Firebottles) I can vouch for the fact that he is an honest and knowledgable dealer. He also always has the time to answer questions and pass that knowledge on.

fran604g wrote:Thanks George, it's nice to hear about the "good guys". I'll remember "Firebottles" and watch his listings with the knowledge that he is honest.

That really counts in my book, above all.

A buddy of mine bought a phonograph on eBay from Firebottles and was very satisfied with his representation of its condition and also the great packing.

VintageTechnologies wrote:

fran604g wrote:Thanks George, it's nice to hear about the "good guys". I'll remember "Firebottles" and watch his listings with the knowledge that he is honest.

That really counts in my book, above all.

A buddy of mine bought a phonograph on eBay from Firebottles and was very satisfied with his representation of its condition and also the great packing.

I've bought several "project" machines from Firebottles over the years and this is a great seller.

I've also bought from Wayne ("firebottles") and will gladly concur that he is a very honest and pleasant gentleman to deal with. He tends to specialise in selling the best examples of anything available and doesn't usually bother to sell poor condition machines or heavily restored items. My transactions with him have all been very enjoyable, successful and ultimately rewarding. He will always go the extra mile to help you out too!

Steve wrote:I've also bought from Wayne ("firebottles") and will gladly concur that he is a very honest and pleasant gentleman to deal with.

With such nice testimonials, we should clarify his name: Grant.

George P.