The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

http://neworleans.craigslist.org/atq/4707163764.html

Somebody,save it!

Just make sure it hasn't been underwater: the map shows a location square in the middle of the Katrina mess!

I talked to the person that has this for sale and asked if it works. She said she has no idea how to operate it. I don't really know what to ask her over the phone to determine condition. It is about 6 hours from me so it would be quite a trip to go see it. Not sure what one of these is worth. Any ideas? Suggestions on what to ask?

This is an educated guess from someone who would love to have one of these, but has never owned one and cannot go and get it. I'd call, offer $100 and see if they are willing. If I were retired, I would have already done so. It is 6hr for me as well. The parts alone would be worth more than $100 so if you can't make it work, you could get most or all of your money back. If you can get it to work, then you have done well and acquired a very unique phonograph. These have been discussed on this forum in the past and I am sure there are folks out there who could help you get it functioning. Just my 2 cents. Hey, it's a trip to New Orleans for the weekend!! Hurricane from Pat O's at night and some Beignets for breakfast from Café du Monde make it almost worth the trip!
Good Luck!
Matt

I don't think it's been under water... if it had been, I think it would be shedding veneer like a snake its skin.

Hope someone here at TMF gets it !


Frank

She will not take less than $400.00 and with a 6 hr trip each way, that is something to consider. I'm sure there is a lot that can go wrong with one of these changers and don't know how expensive the parts are and how difficult they are to find if they are needed. The reproducer is pot metal as you can see from the pictures. Not sure what other pieces on this would be pot metal.

Wow. Provided the original finish good, and all the parts are there, $400 IS A BARGAIN. $100 is not a fair offer, unless she's ready to haul it to the trash.

$400 is a steal. Don't these usually run around $1000 in unrestored condition?

That's what I recall giving for mine when I had it about eight years ago. I have regretted selling it since. There's at least $400 in parts on this machine alone, provided it has everything that it came with in decent condition.

Well, $200 for it plus $400 in fuel to go get it is what was invested on this one. From looking at more pictures the seller provided, it was clear something was living in it, and it was possible this was going to be a parts machine. Once there that was confirmed and there had been many species of insects. There must have been 1.5 gallons worth of wood boring insect excretions in the bottom of the machine. Nearly every bit of wood had tiny holes showing evidence of their path, even the horn. One foot was Swiss Cheese from that being the main pathway. I'm seeing this time after time... Store your Victrola on concrete and you will destroy American history. All in all, the 2.5 day trip was worth it for these rare parts it need to help complete my partial machines. Especially stopping half way and picking up a Radiola 30. This is outside my Victor 1925-1929 collection range but is identical to the Victor Hyperion, minus phonograph. My Hyperion is just an empty shorty cabinet. Wish it had legs... Thanks for posting this Craigslist alert.