Unique Folk Art Phono - Seattle CL

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CDBPDX
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Unique Folk Art Phono - Seattle CL

Post by CDBPDX »

Here is something you don't see every day:

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/atq/5982891776.html
Attachments
CL_OperaHousePhono_0001.jpg
CL_OperaHousePhono_0003.jpg
CL_OperaHousePhono_0004.jpg
CL_OperaHousePhono_0007.jpg
CL_OperaHousePhono_0008.jpg
CL_OperaHousePhono_0009.jpg
CL_OperaHousePhono_0010.jpg
CL_OperaHousePhono_0012.jpg
Cliff's Vintage Music Shoppe, Castle Rock, WA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIz_IpaVrW8

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Re: Unique Folk Art Phono - Seattle CL

Post by phonogfp »

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

Post by maginter »

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.
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.
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Re: Unique Folk Art Phono - Seattle CL

Post by Springmotor70 »

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. :D
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Re: Unique Folk Art Phono - Seattle CL

Post by melvind »

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

Post by Curt A »

If I lived near Seattle, this would be in my house... it certainly is unique.
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Re: Unique Folk Art Phono - Seattle CL

Post by phonogfp »

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
Good luck, Dan! :)

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Re: Unique Folk Art Phono - Seattle CL

Post by epigramophone »

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?

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Re: Unique Folk Art Phono - Seattle CL

Post by Jerry B. »

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. :shock:

Jerry B.

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Re: Unique Folk Art Phono - Seattle CL

Post by Curt A »

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. :shock:

Jerry B.
Which continent? Isn't Oregon next to Washington...?
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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."
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