The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I've always wanted a Phonolamp... I don't think it's ever going to happen though.

I don't have the skills to restore something like this and when they are restored, I don't have the funds to buy the prices they fetch.

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/atq/1628478221.html

I saw a nice one one eBay recently. Item number 280464913508.

Paal.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0464913508

EUR 3,500.00
Approximately US $4,762.80

The bases of these things turn up fairly often, I wouldn't really consider them all that rare anymore. The real expense is in recreating the lampshade- their are specialists but it will cost you an arm and a leg- and when you're through you'll wish you bought a VV XVI for less.

The Capitol phonolamps are cast pot metal (albeit a fairly stable amalgam). The Fairy Phono Lamps made by the Endlessgraph Co. are copper and much better constructed and have a nicer finish, IMHO. A word of caution -- years ago, the first Fairy lamp I had lit me up like a Christmas tree when I grounded myself while turning the rotary-collar phono motor switch on for the first time. 120VAC never packed such a wallop! Be sure to inspect the original wiring in these babies for wear and potential shorting before assuming anything!

Do I get it right that the horn is the base itself? Doesn't really seem to be something one would like to use regularly. Anyway, it's an interesting oddity.

WDC wrote:Do I get it right that the horn is the base itself? Doesn't really seem to be something one would like to use regularly. Anyway, it's an interesting oddity.

Yup... but there were variations. In these examples, the top half acts as the horn.

Isn't the tone arm / reproducer the only pot metal part on the Capitol? I have an extra base (horn & legs) only for the Capitol if anyone needs it. Jerry Blais

For what it's worth, if you really want to impress the uninitiated who are casually viewing your collection, get a phonolamp of some kind. They'll be impressed more than if you show them a gold-plated Class M!

Fairy phonolamp phonograph

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0316518933

BIN Price: US $2,650.00