The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

probably a silly question, but I was wondering whether anyone may have come across or possibly owned a machine with a serial number of 666?

Years ago, Dave Heitz had an Edison Opera with serial number 666. He always joked about it as the devil's phonograph. I believe his widow still owns it.

I recall hearing of an XVI or XVII that had #666 on this forum. Anyone remember what I may have seen?

I can only guess that some of the machines bearing the serial #666 would have ended up as unsold dealer stock, and thrown away, since people didn't want that certain "Satan's Instrument". Possibly some got sold only due to heavy discounting

I sold my VE-XVIII serial number #666 a couple months ago. See Ebay link and photo of it and my dog Nipper protecting it from any evil spirits below. I did have to do some heavy discounting from what I paid for it, but I thought that was due to the market.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 3096444226

Here's a needle that might go well with such a machine

TinfoilPhono wrote:Years ago, Dave Heitz had an Edison Opera with serial number 666. He always joked about it as the devil's phonograph. I believe his widow still owns it.

Not being superstitious, I would be happy to take it off her hands .

A machine with that serial number is perfect for someone living on the 13th floor lol

I made a 3D Stereoview of these phonographs...

RolandVV-360 wrote:I can only guess that some of the machines bearing the serial #666 would have ended up as unsold dealer stock, and thrown away, since people didn't want that certain "Satan's Instrument". Possibly some got sold only due to heavy discounting

That’s quite an interesting idea. I certainly wouldn’t want serial #666 in my house!