The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi Everybody,
Hoping someone here can help. Unfortunately, I'm now looking for another copy of this cylinder to replace the one that I recently purchased on eBay. I received the cylinder promptly and, being a trusting soul, I left positive feedback. I didn't look at the cylinder until this afternoon when I decided to pull it out and play it. The seller posted 2 different views of the cylinder surface which I felt would be representative of the remaining cylinder surface and his feedback is excellent. The cylinder was listed as "Good condition". When I pulled the cylinder out of its box this afternoon I immediately noticed a small spot of missing celluloid in the playing grooves on the surface. It looks to me like it is the result of a diamond stylus drop or some other sharp object forcefully contacting it. I tried playing the cylinder starting well past the spot of missing celluloid and, incredibly, encountered a skipped groove to add insult to injury. Oh boy... So I'm feeling pretty disappointed now as I've been trying to find this cylinder for a long time. I have #3708 and #3709 in nice condition and want to complete my set of TR's Blue Amberol cylinders with a nice copy of #3707 and was hoping this one would be it. For what it's worth, I've attached a picture I took of the bad spot on the cylinder surface. I only wish it was included in the listing as I would have surely passed on it and continued my search. Any help in locating a nice playing copy is appreciated.

Thanks,
Doug

You should open a case to return it as it was not what was advertised and get your money back.

Rich Gordon

Well, that was a nasty little surprise that should have been in the pictures or description. I would ask to return it for a refund. I just looked at the ad in question. It says "IF THE ITEM ARRIVES BROKEN, DAMAGED OR YOU JUST DON’T LIKE IT, EMAIL ME AND I WILL MAKE IT RIGHT." He sounds honest.

VintageTechnologies wrote: I would ask to return it for a refund. I just looked at the ad in question. It says "IF THE ITEM ARRIVES BROKEN, DAMAGED OR YOU JUST DON’T LIKE IT, EMAIL ME AND I WILL MAKE IT RIGHT." He sounds honest.

I agree, explain to the seller as you did here and if he's a honest seller he will understand even if you already left feedback. He may want you to pay return shipping but at least give him the chance to make it right. If you get the refund that would be better than having a cylinder that leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

Best Regards, Larry

Thanks Rich, Keith and Larry for your thoughtful replies. I have sent a message to the seller as each of you had suggested. Makes perfect sense since I really can't play and enjoy the cylinder. I'm hoping to find another example of this cylinder in nice condition to complete the set. I never understood why these 1912 titles were not released on Edison Diamond Disc. Same with Ernest Shackleton's "My South Polar Expedition" on wax Amberol. But, at least the Roosevelt titles were released on celluloid...the Shackleton cylinder was only released on the fragile wax Amberol. Yikes! I have owned my copy of that wax Amberol title for many years and each time I carefully pull it out of its box (not very often!) I'm hoping it shows no visual signs of decomposition! Now, that is a title that should surely be copied by one of the modern day companies who produce the durable cylinders so that the few of us who own the fragile original wax Amberol copies may no longer worry!

Doug

Doug,
I have what I would consider a great condition one...plus, it has the original box AND the original lid!. See my post in this TRADER section dated 7/29/14.
Let me know if you are interested.

Thanks!