The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Noticed this listed at a starting price of $400.00 with no reserve.eBay Item #161722261859

Yes I know, infact I was just out bid. Guess I'll have to increase my bid.

Rich Gordon

sometimes I question the usefulness of alerts like this.

brianu wrote:sometimes I question the usefulness of alerts like this.

I don't. I'll bet I am not the only one to enjoy seeing special machines offered on eBay, particularly when they are not listed properly and might be otherwise overlooked. No, I don't need to hear about every common Home or Standard being offered.

Suppose I had been wanting a Concert and set up eBay to notify me when a Concert was offered. This machine would have go unnoticed because it was not identified as such. A lot of sellers have little idea what they are selling or how to list it. Bargains are to be had. However, not every potential buyer has the time to troll an entire eBay category daily looking for unidentified "sleepers" that escape routine queries. I have done that sometimes and struck gold, but certainly not every day.

A very interesting machine. I notice the seller says "This auction is for an antique 1893 Edison Reproducer Model D & Recorder piece in original cardboard box and original reproducer wooden carrying case." But he or she goes on to talk about the motor, etc. If I were going to bid I'd want confirmation from the seller that everything pictured is included, not just the reproducer and recorder.

Clay

FloridaClay wrote:A very interesting machine. I notice the seller says "This auction is for an antique 1893 Edison Reproducer Model D & Recorder piece in original cardboard box and original reproducer wooden carrying case." But he or she goes on to talk about the motor, etc. If I were going to bid I'd want confirmation from the seller that everything pictured is included, not just the reproducer and recorder.

Clay

Clay, it does seem a bit unclear, but I think the stated weight of 50 pounds and the high shipping cost are pretty good indications he plans on selling the machine, not just the reproducer and recorder. As yet, I have not discovered any reproducers that weigh that much, unless they have a phonograph attached to them!

VintageTechnologies wrote:

brianu wrote:sometimes I question the usefulness of alerts like this.

I don't. I'll bet I am not the only one to enjoy seeing special machines offered on eBay, particularly when they are not listed properly and might be otherwise overlooked. No, I don't need to hear about every common Home or Standard being offered.

Suppose I had been wanting a Concert and set up eBay to notify me when a Concert was offered. This machine would have go unnoticed because it was not identified as such. A lot of sellers have little idea what they are selling or how to list it. Bargains are to be had. However, not every potential buyer has the time to troll an entire eBay category daily looking for unidentified "sleepers" that escape routine queries. I have done that sometimes and struck gold, but certainly not every day.

I'm not sure you have to "troll" ebay daily - or even weekly - to happen upon something like this... but if you are among the few who have stumbled across it after spending some time looking (for a particular machine or just an unusual bargain), I should think that a post like this could be somewhat disconcerting, as it just quickly turns a "sleeper" into something far different, with no credit really due to the actual seller at all.

And great clear pics to help in your assessment as usual. Honestly since the advent of the smart phone we've almost regressed to the polaroid era....

VintageTechnologies wrote:

FloridaClay wrote:A very interesting machine. I notice the seller says "This auction is for an antique 1893 Edison Reproducer Model D & Recorder piece in original cardboard box and original reproducer wooden carrying case." But he or she goes on to talk about the motor, etc. If I were going to bid I'd want confirmation from the seller that everything pictured is included, not just the reproducer and recorder.

Clay

Clay, it does seem a bit unclear, but I think the stated weight of 50 pounds and the high shipping cost are pretty good indications he plans on selling the machine, not just the reproducer and recorder. As yet, I have not discovered any reproducers that weigh that much, unless they have a phonograph attached to them!

Maybe, but I am of the "better safe than sorry" school. This seller may be as honest as the day is long, but experience has taught that there are some bad apples out there in eBay land. Better to clear up any ambiguities BEFORE you buy.

Clay

brianu wrote:sometimes I question the usefulness of alerts like this.

Sorry if I stepped on toes. I thought this is what this posting section is for. I can't afford machines like this but I know there are forum members who can so wanted to point it out in hopes that someone on the forum might be looking for one.