The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

There is a very big phonograph auction coming in 9 days in Union Illinois. Somebody had a very nice collection. I might just drive up to watch. Check it out here.
https://www.proxibid.com/asp/Catalog.asp?aid=100342#Top

Nice assortment of machines. Unfortunately, many show issues. As a Canadian collector....I noted the auction listed "lot 221" as a Berliner "P"... . No mention being Canadian. . Also,there is no Canadian "P".... It is a Canadian Berliner model "F".

Some nice phonographs are being offered in this auction. And some "interesting" items as well. Lot 37 appears to be Edison Amberola 1A top works mounted in a homemade cabinet with an Edison Ekonowatt motor. Mmmmm... Lot 139 Victor Victrola "Eldor". Ummmm...well now. Maybe the title for that lot was accepted over the telephone. Anyway, it looks like a very worthwhile auction to attend.

I can't make it but might internet bid. Has anyone ever used the Donley auction shipping before? Is there shipping quote accurate? Thanks for any help.

Mike

Twenty-one percent buyer's penalty for internet purchases for sight-unseen items when it has been pre-determined that,in many cases, listings are not entirely correct (not just in this represetation, but in all sales). And then you have shipping on top of that, and the risk associated with it.
Has the trade became this desperate?

Lot # 2 would have been interesting if it wasn't written and signed by a secretary

Did anyone attend this auction? How was it?

I had a friend at the auction bidding for me, and I watched it online. Don't know why the live camera feed was pointed at the audience rather than the auctioneer or item being sold!
There were only two reserve-bid items announced, unless I missed something. However, many other items were unsold, failing to reach unannounced reserves, including many higher-end music boxes, the school model opera (high bid was 8K, I believe)and the Steinway Duo-Art Piano.
I was interested in the nice Regina Corona model 34 changer, but the high bid of 13k was refused. Disappointing to some people who were following these.
Upright phonos went begging, in my opinion. Common Amberolas were also low-priced, but condition was hard to judge over the internet in many cases. Anyone just starting out collecting would have been able to find a decent common machine at a good price from what I could tell.
Bob

I re-read the listing description and edited my post here:

I got the Gothics, now I gotta go get them. Only 2900 miles round trip. One machine being the Coumbial Period model P-6, the other is a Belguim cabinet with a Columbia in it. Anyone recognize the cabinet or have comments about this combo?

I watched nearly all 5 hours though I was only interested in the Gothics. Was shocked on the super low prices of the non-high end stuff. So many nice looking Edison floor models (cylinder & disk) went for $30 (+/- $5). The fees are also shocking. I had to pay an additional 31% (21%+7%+3%). Only found out about the auction the day before it, so I consider myself lucky.

Hammer prices are listed when you click the link in the original post. To that you have to add the buyer penalty of 21%! John