The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Came across a working one where case is oak but lot's of worn and peeling varnish. I'm only mildly interested in his records... I'd have to turn machine over right away. I know a picture would help but I don't have it. So this is kind of a YankeeTrader question? Any one interested enough in a machine/parts for me to look at it closer - and how much could that interest go ($) ? (Delivered to Union...?)

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Depending on what the conditon is...If it's a usual Series 2 or Series 3 Amberola 30 with a good motor, somewhat clean unchipped bedplate and works...but the outside veneer is shot.. You're realistically looking at $150-$175... If it's a Series 1 (External Speed control) Amberola 30 in same condition, It may go for about $50-$100 or so more depending if the bedplate has the gold stenciling or not and what the condition of that stenciling is.

With Amberola 30's, It's all about the condition of the outer veneer since its so fragile and it's almost always damaged.. Machines with nice veneer with little or no damage will inflate the price quite substantially. Also, With Amberola 30's, The earlier the machine is, The more expensive it will be depending on the overall condition of the machine. The earliest made Amberola 30's with ratchet sounding cranks and gold leaf stenciling, nickeled reproducers go for the most as they are harder to find, but not impossible.

Here is a very early 1st Series Amberola 30 just so you know the difference. There are even ones earlier than this one that have the front horn retainers held in by a "C" clip. Those were on the first couple hundred or so Very Early Amberola 30s before they went to the "Horseshoe" front Horn retainer seen here which was later replaced by just a hole and screw in pin on later series Amberola 30s.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldjhzBJ-Zdc

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Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer