The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I saw this Silvertone victrola on CL this morning.

http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/atd/4355239579.html

I did not realize (in my ignorance), that Silvertone made such a pretty machine.
The price seems high to me, so I am not interested in buying it, unless the price drops, but am curious about the performance and true value of this model.
I know many members are reluctant to discuss price, so feel free to pm.
Thanks!
Gene

The price seems very high, but I guess it depends on the overall condition of the cabinet & components. This is a circa-1927, (near) top of the line Sears "Tru-Phonic" model, which was designed to compete with the Orthophonic, Viva-Tonal, etc. models. About the only similarly designed Tru-Phonic models I've seen have been pretty beaten up, and they were priced at half that amount. Along this line, I wish the seller had posted some close-up shots of the lid, sides and back.

Joe

It is a handsome machine. Perhaps you could negotiate it down a bit if the seller is willing to deal.

Clay

Googlemap says this place is in New Freedom, PA, almost in Maryland (south of H'burg off of I-83).

I believe that model may also have housed a radio set too. That would have been covered by the doors. Maybe that is why the seller doesn't have the doors open? It's just an open space now?

[quote="Damfino59"]I believe that model may also have housed a radio set too. That would have been covered by the doors. Maybe that is why the seller doesn't have the doors open? It's just an open space now?[/quote

Some of the Truphonic models had radios, or a radio option. That one is in much better condition than other Truphonic machines I've seen - in general they are a bit more cheaply built than earlier Silvertones. They aren't as common either, I think that in the Orthophonic era many customers would go for a low end Victor like the Consolette instead.

Gene - Silvertones are some of my favorite talking machines. They had some really nice cabinet styles and quality motors. The oak uprights are very pretty and well made.