The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

While out antique shopping today I spotted an Edison Diamond Disk Army Navy Model. I know they are scarce, but are they worth much? The dealer is asking $3200.
Dave D

I'd say it's a rare machine and worth about half the amount they are asking. Jerry Blais

You could always make an offer………

possibly after the machine has sat around for a while…

Bill

Condition should have a lot to do with value. I expect most of the Navy machines had a rough life, so if it is exceptionally clean (particularly the exterior), it ought to fetch a premium.

Dave,
In my recent encounters travelling across the country I saw one priced about the same. It was repainted Red on the interior... . Pretty sad for that reason.. I would have passed even if it were half that price. I would expect a decent example in original condition to be $1200-1400
Hope this helps.
ColoradoPhonograf

ColoradoPhonograf wrote:Dave,
In my recent encounters travelling across the country I saw one priced about the same. It was repainted Red on the interior... . Pretty sad for that reason.. I would have passed even if it were half that price. I would expect a decent example in original condition to be $1200-1400
Hope this helps.
ColoradoPhonograf

Sounds like the one I saw. Was it in Crossville, TN?
Dave

I've had two of these beats.

A nearly mint original with accessories went to the Edison National Historic Site for $1700.

A rather beat original with good paint on everywhere except the top sold for $1100 or so, if I recall correctly.

If you pay anymore than $1,200 for one that is anything less than excellent condition, you might be paying too much. Originality is key, as always. That said, if you find one with unit markings, it will have crossover appeal to WWI collectors, and could fetch more or less.

I passed one up many years ago. It was $100. I thought it was ugly. What did I know....

I've got a pretty good list of $100 machines I also passed on: mint cond. Pooley Victrola, mint cond. Victrola XVII in green tinted oak, etc., etc. ...

JerryVan wrote:I passed one up many years ago. It was $100. I thought it was ugly. What did I know....

I've got a pretty good list of $100 machines I also passed on: mint cond. Pooley Victrola, mint cond. Victrola XVII in green tinted oak, etc., etc. ...

Jerry,
I think they are ugly too. It is always best to collect what you enjoy having and this would not be a pleasure to own.
Speaking of things passed up...
I had a call from a woman when I first started collecting. She offered me a "record player that played
metal records." I passed and years later it hit me that it may have been a disc music box. It would have been cheap, too.
Today I passed on a red flower Tea Tray Company horn in very nice shape, both in and out for $175.
Dave

As others have said, they're uncommon, but 3200 is way out of line. If it's complete and in decent condition, I would say about $1k is more realistic. If it needs a lot of restoration, I'd say more like 600-700.