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Hope this one isn't a stupid question...Have to find out
Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 12:57 pm
by Whittington
So I hope I am not setting myself up again here but I have to ask another questions for the experts. I came up with an Excelsior Coin Op today in pretty good shape. It even has the top sign which I found many don't now days. Anyway, it is missing one major component though. You guessed it...I need the curved glass for the front to complete it. Can anyone tell me if that would be impossible to find and if so, how to go about getting a new one? Thanks again!
Jeff
ps. The coin chute on this one looks different than the pictures I have seen. Is it a replacement or do you think it is the original? Thanks again!

Re: Hope this one isn't a stupid question...Have to find out
Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 1:07 pm
by gramophoneshane
Great looking machine!
Being in Australia, I've got no idea how much luck you'd have finding an original replacement, but I don't think it will be easy.
I know it's impossible over here. I knew a fellow about 20 yrs ago who had to get one made, and it cost several hundred dollars. Apparently it's possible, but extremely expensive due to the curvature of the glass. I think if I ever found one out here minus the glass, I'd settle for a nice piece of perspex

Re: Hope this one isn't a stupid question...Have to find out
Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 1:11 pm
by Whittington
Thanks for the reply and information! That is pretty expensive for a piece of glass. I think it would be worth a couple hundred though to have this machine complete. Even if I can find an original, it would probably be more expensive than to have it made I would imagine.
Re: Hope this one isn't a stupid question...Have to find out
Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 1:29 pm
by phonogfp
Whittington wrote:Thanks for the reply and information! That is pretty expensive for a piece of glass. Actually, more than I paid for the machine itself. I think it would be worth a couple hundred though to have this machine complete. Even if I can find an original, it would probably be more expensive than to have it made I would imagine.
I must say that I'm curious as to where you live, Whittington. Finding early "Monarchs" for less than $165, and "Excelsior" coin-ops for less than several hundred - - and in rapid succession - - taxes my credulity.

Unless you're buying all this from a single owner who collected it decades ago, I'm ready to bestow the "Beginner's Luck" award today...
George P.
Re: Hope this one isn't a stupid question...Have to find out
Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 1:37 pm
by Whittington
Let's just say I live out in the sticks and my 9-5 job has taught me how to do extensive research. That, added to some random luck led me to these three machines. They are all barn finds so it has helped to preserve the originality of each machine. It has really made me wonder how many barns across America have hidden Class M's and Berliner Hand Crank Phonographs in them!! (If they are there, I will do my best to find them!

)
Re: Hope this one isn't a stupid question...Have to find out
Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 1:57 pm
by JohnM
Jeff -
just Google 'bent glass' or 'curved glass' and a number of sources will come up. It's not all that expensive. Google is a wonderful research tool!
Re: Hope this one isn't a stupid question...Have to find out
Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 2:11 pm
by brianu
phonogfp wrote:Whittington wrote:Thanks for the reply and information! That is pretty expensive for a piece of glass. Actually, more than I paid for the machine itself. I think it would be worth a couple hundred though to have this machine complete. Even if I can find an original, it would probably be more expensive than to have it made I would imagine.
I must say that I'm curious as to where you live, Whittington. Finding early "Monarchs" for less than $165, and "Excelsior" coin-ops for less than several hundred - - and in rapid succession - - taxes my credulity.

Unless you're buying all this from a single owner who collected it decades ago, I'm ready to bestow the "Beginner's Luck" award today...
George P.
ditto.
Re: Hope this one isn't a stupid question...Have to find out
Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 2:32 pm
by gramophoneshane
LOL. I think Jeff's too smart to go broadcasting on the internet where his pot of gold is
I can just imagine 500 vultures decending on every barn within 100 miles if he did.
Re: Hope this one isn't a stupid question...Have to find out
Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 8:05 am
by OrthoSean
brianu wrote:phonogfp wrote:Whittington wrote:Thanks for the reply and information! That is pretty expensive for a piece of glass. Actually, more than I paid for the machine itself. I think it would be worth a couple hundred though to have this machine complete. Even if I can find an original, it would probably be more expensive than to have it made I would imagine.
I must say that I'm curious as to where you live, Whittington. Finding early "Monarchs" for less than $165, and "Excelsior" coin-ops for less than several hundred - - and in rapid succession - - taxes my credulity.

Unless you're buying all this from a single owner who collected it decades ago, I'm ready to bestow the "Beginner's Luck" award today...
George P.
ditto.
double ditto.

Re: Hope this one isn't a stupid question...Have to find out
Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 1:03 pm
by schweg
Suspiscious also... I've seen this picture before...
Steve