The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Here is something you don't see every day:

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/atq/5982891776.html

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.

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.

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.

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

If I lived near Seattle, this would be in my house... it certainly is unique.

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!

George P.

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?

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.

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.

Which continent? Isn't Oregon next to Washington...?