The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Here's a promotional sheet for the "Eltinolean" I saw on Ebay. Nothing special, but check out the markups offered to dealers: You could buy a machine for $66 and (they claimed) sell it for $150. They'd even include "30 selections" on Columbia Records- I bet that was 15 discs. The tone arm is a commonly found style and actually a rather good one.

estott,
I recently found a really nice Eltinolean from a local antique store. I am amazed at the almost total lack of information about this machine and the company that made it. I assume it was a small obscure firm that did not last long or make many machines, I think they are very rare but are not worth much as they are virtually unknown and have no collector base. I am new to this forum and am looking forward to future chats with all of you.
Bob

Glad this forum could be of some help.

You're right- some of these obscure makes can quality as being rare or scarce but that doesn't valuable or sought after. I once found a machine made in my birthplace of Sidney NY- only one I've ever seen and probably scarce, but quite drab and dull otherwise. A lot of the appeal in these off brands is in the fretwork horn grille.

This week's special: If you can pronounce "Eltinolean", you get a 25% discount!

hehe

Edisone wrote:This week's special: If you can pronounce "Eltinolean", you get a 25% discount!

hehe

Actually when I finally did say the name to the owner of the shop he did give me a 10% discount,oh yeah cash helped too, I paid $100 for it simply because it does work and the cabinet is in beautiful condition and I was intrigued by the name. I figured I'd just go home and Google it, I've never stumped Google before, but the old record player did.
Bob

Some of those off brand machines can be very attractive. In most cased, purchase price can be very reasonable
Harvey Kravitz

Methinks you got a good deal !

greencom wrote:

Edisone wrote:This week's special: If you can pronounce "Eltinolean", you get a 25% discount!

hehe

Actually when I finally did say the name to the owner of the shop he did give me a 10% discount,oh yeah cash helped too, I paid $100 for it simply because it does work and the cabinet is in beautiful condition and I was intrigued by the name. Bob

Edisone wrote:Methinks you got a good deal !

Could be perhaps, I feel that any machine that's working and in nice condition is worth at least that, no matter it's make. I find that the economy is taking it's toll on all the collector markets however.
Bob

Just in case anybody wants to know what an Eltinolean looks like:

Very nice! Simple but nice, even a bit dainty.