Here is something you don't see every day:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/atq/5982891776.html
Unique Folk Art Phono - Seattle CL
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Unique Folk Art Phono - Seattle CL
Cliff's Vintage Music Shoppe, Castle Rock, WA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIz_IpaVrW8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIz_IpaVrW8
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Re: Unique Folk Art Phono - Seattle CL
I like it very much!
Too bad the seller doesn't show a photo with the roof removed so the machine's operation could be more clearly understood.
I'm amused by the seller's method of dating the object. Following similar logic, the nickel in my pocket must be from the early 1800s because it has an image of Monticello on it...
The HMV No.4 sound box is probably a more accurate gauge, but seeing the machine itself would be nice.
I'd be tempted to look into this if it weren't on the other side of the continent.
George P.

Too bad the seller doesn't show a photo with the roof removed so the machine's operation could be more clearly understood.
I'm amused by the seller's method of dating the object. Following similar logic, the nickel in my pocket must be from the early 1800s because it has an image of Monticello on it...

I'd be tempted to look into this if it weren't on the other side of the continent.

George P.
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Re: Unique Folk Art Phono - Seattle CL
George, I agree. This is a really nice and appears to be a quality build of a "special" that someone really put some good effort forward.phonogfp wrote:I like it very much!![]()
Too bad the seller doesn't show a photo with the roof removed so the machine's operation could be more clearly understood.
I'm amused by the seller's method of dating the object. Following similar logic, the nickel in my pocket must be from the early 1800s because it has an image of Monticello on it...The HMV No.4 sound box is probably a more accurate gauge, but seeing the machine itself would be nice.
I'd be tempted to look into this if it weren't on the other side of the continent.![]()
George P.
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Re: Unique Folk Art Phono - Seattle CL
Wow!!!
That is incredible. Anyone pick up on the Architecture meets music? - It is an Opera House and I don't really see that in the description, just the photo names. You can see the forms of the lobby, theatre and the fly over the stage. Very cool - - I do not recognize if it was based on an actual historic example but it looks very Italian with the geometric forms and surpentine columns.
I can think of a handful of collectors that "need" this.
That is incredible. Anyone pick up on the Architecture meets music? - It is an Opera House and I don't really see that in the description, just the photo names. You can see the forms of the lobby, theatre and the fly over the stage. Very cool - - I do not recognize if it was based on an actual historic example but it looks very Italian with the geometric forms and surpentine columns.
I can think of a handful of collectors that "need" this.

"I think he was vaccinated with a phonograph needle"
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My Old Boss 1923 - 2010
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Re: Unique Folk Art Phono - Seattle CL
I have emailed the guy selling this and am very interested. I asked for more pictures and information on the phonograph inside. He says it isn't working but it may just be a broken spring i am thinking from what he said. I haven't heard back yet, but hope to this evening. It is really odd and interesting I think. And, I am an opera record and memorabilia collector. Who would have ever thought of an opera house phonograph?!
Dan
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Re: Unique Folk Art Phono - Seattle CL
If I lived near Seattle, this would be in my house... it certainly is unique.
"The phonograph is not of any commercial value."
Thomas Alva Edison - Comment to his assistant, Samuel Insull.
"No one needs a Victrola XX, a Perfected Graphophone Type G, or whatever you call those noisy things."
My Wife
Thomas Alva Edison - Comment to his assistant, Samuel Insull.
"No one needs a Victrola XX, a Perfected Graphophone Type G, or whatever you call those noisy things."
My Wife
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Re: Unique Folk Art Phono - Seattle CL
Good luck, Dan!melvind wrote:I have emailed the guy selling this and am very interested. I asked for more pictures and information on the phonograph inside. He says it isn't working but it may just be a broken spring i am thinking from what he said. I haven't heard back yet, but hope to this evening. It is really odd and interesting I think. And, I am an opera record and memorabilia collector. Who would have ever thought of an opera house phonograph?!
Dan

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Re: Unique Folk Art Phono - Seattle CL
The "Importe d'Angleterre" inscription on the soundbox suggests that it was made for the French market, although there is no knowing whether the soundbox is original to the machine, whose mechanical components appear to have come from various sources.
Whatever it's origins it looks magnificent, but what does it sound like?
Whatever it's origins it looks magnificent, but what does it sound like?
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Re: Unique Folk Art Phono - Seattle CL
I'd be tempted to look into this if it weren't on the other side of the continent.
Temptations might be a little dangerous. I could get this to Union.
Jerry B.

Temptations might be a little dangerous. I could get this to Union.

Jerry B.
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Re: Unique Folk Art Phono - Seattle CL
Which continent? Isn't Oregon next to Washington...?Jerry B. wrote:I'd be tempted to look into this if it weren't on the other side of the continent.![]()
Temptations might be a little dangerous. I could get this to Union.![]()
Jerry B.
"The phonograph is not of any commercial value."
Thomas Alva Edison - Comment to his assistant, Samuel Insull.
"No one needs a Victrola XX, a Perfected Graphophone Type G, or whatever you call those noisy things."
My Wife
Thomas Alva Edison - Comment to his assistant, Samuel Insull.
"No one needs a Victrola XX, a Perfected Graphophone Type G, or whatever you call those noisy things."
My Wife