The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I really don't think this is circassian, although apparently some bidders certainly seem to (I've had an american walnut machine, another XVI actually, and I was convinced for a while it was circassian... but after some close comparisons and consultations with other collectors, I realized it wasn't... the difference in some cases is really hard to tell... I wonder whether the XVI on ebay has a label inside identifying the finish?).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0436746351

You know, I think it just might be Circassian walnut...but what a trial it would be to restore it...

I believe that is what the grain indicates. At a glance it somewhat appears to be a rather lousy refinish job, but when you study it the wood has all the hall marks of circassian walnut. The large wide varying grain is the usual tip off on it.