The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Went to an auction last night in Hillsboro, OR where an unusual Amberola 75 was being sold. My dreams of finally owning one of these was quickly dashed when several other folks there had the same thought as me, and much deeper pockets. Oh, well, maybe next time.

The unusual part of this machine was the grill. Attached are a couple photos. It looked original to the machine as far as the appearance and condition of the wood. It matched the rest of the machine quite nicely.

Is this a grill that would have been on this machine when it was sold?

Cliff

Hello,
It looks to me like the whole machine has been refinished and rather poorly. Notice that the Edison decal inside the lid it screwed up. That grill is not for an Amberola 75. I bet it came off some other off brand table top disc machine and has been cut down to fit the opening. Here is a picture of what it should look like. This is my machines and it is for sale.
Pete

I agree with Pete that the grill was not original and I also question the finish. What did it sell for? Unless it was cheap, you should be thankful someone else had deeper pockets. Jerry

"Unusual" and "Amberola 75".

Seldom seen in the same sentence.

It sold for $291.50 with buyers fee. Next bid increment would have put it well over $300.

It seemed to wind up and play, though not much volume and lots of warble.

I concur. Not getting it was a good thing.

Clay

Cliff, It's a good thing that you got out bid. It would have been an expensive head-ache to restore correctly. The Phono-Angels were watching over your shoulder.
Harvey Kravitz

I have an Amberola 75. It is a complete original machine in nice shape. It is Golden Oak and has never been refinished, however, though all of the original veneer is present, It is lifting on two sides of the machine...mostly in the middles of the sides. I would think that I would have to re-impregnate the areas with glue and them find someway to hold down the sides one at a time while the glue dries. Either way, The machine does not look bad as it does, The original front grille and all 3 drawers are present, though two of the original drawers had pegs installed in the bottoms at one time and are screwed in from the bottoms. I could simply just replace the bottoms of the drawers, re-stain the drawer bottoms and call it a day..

)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

Not a good deal at all.....

I have seen a nice Amberola 75 in great condition at the Antique Market in Michigan City, Indiana nice oak cabinet. I do not remember the price, I want to say it was about 700.00