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Not mine, but I have seen it.


http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/atq/5553695653.html

this has been refinished, so I was curious whether this sort of machine would be considered more of a music box for which refinishing is generally accepted, or more of a phonograph, for which such treatment tends to devalue the thing...?

brianu wrote:this has been refinished, so I was curious whether this sort of machine would be considered more of a music box for which refinishing is generally accepted, or more of a phonograph, for which such treatment tends to devalue the thing...?

Leaving the center inner lid area untouched as well as the inner wood makes the rest of the refinishing job even more apparent. In either category I'd say the value is diminished.
Bob

This is the type of machine that has great appeal to non-collectors. They often sell to people who own neither music boxes or phonographs, but wish to have an attractive, appealing antique that will be a conversation piece in their home. I have sold many of them, all fully restored and refinished. Indeed, I have had one in my dining room for many years that has a high-gloss piano finish, and my wife would have a fit if I sold that one, ahead of the others that I have in stock.

A few years back I sold one to a family friend, and she insisted that I remove the "ugly" tone arm. Go figure. Those tone arms, easily broken, are almost impossible to find when you need one. But she just wanted a beautiful music box and didn't care about the phonograph.

It's not just collectors that drive market values, and the 240 is a prime example.

Raphael

That tonearm looks like a Columbia product. Is that correct?

jboger wrote:That tonearm looks like a Columbia product. Is that correct?

Yes. The cabinet was also used for the early Grafonola Deluxe.


In addition to the refinish job, they also didn't bother to put new rubber in the reproducer.

An extremely desirable and rare machine!

A pity about the refinishing, though. That, plus replacing the missing tooth in the comb, will add extra expense: but with the sort of collectors who buy such rarities, they can probably afford it.

Bill

I was surprised by the number of 240s in Stanton's auction. I hate to see any phonograph refinished.
http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... =2&t=25960

Yup, it's a shame it was refinished. Don't be too hard on the current owners however, they didn't do it. As Raphael mentioned was often the case, the current owners are neither music box nor phonograph collectors. They just thought it was a cool thing.

As their ad suggests, they are open to offers...

Lucius1958 wrote:An extremely desirable and rare machine!

A pity about the refinishing, though. That, plus replacing the missing tooth in the comb, will add extra expense: but with the sort of collectors who buy such rarities, they can probably afford it.

Bill

I was always advised that you should plan on doubling the purchase price in order to get it tuned and/or repaired to play properly.