The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I've become more and more intrigued by the Alva. I know they are quite rare, but is there any information on how many were made or how many exist today? Are they fairly well accounted for? Do they show up at shows like APS or Union, or only available through "who you know" collectors? Am I dreaming to hope to locate one? It's a "one of these days" idea, but I like to know as much as I can before jumping into something like this, knowing what they cost.
Any inside wisdom would be much appreciated...

Well, you truly never know what may turn up. Three members of this forum have found Graphophone Grands (GGs) in the wild over the past year, a couple of Class Ms have appeared out of nowhere, and of course there's this week's Baby Grand to consider. The odds are stacked against you, but the odds are beaten every day in some respect.

Sales data from the National Phonograph Company show 6 Alvas were sold in 1907 (first made available in June), and 40 sold through May 1908 (when available sales data ends). In no month did orders exceed 13, and only 3 were sold in April and another 3 sold in May 1908. When you consider that Standards and Homes were selling in the thousands during those same months, the odds will become more clear.

Still, you never know - - it can't hurt to try!

George P.

I have seen an Alva at Union but it was many years ago. Jerry B.