The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Guys, gals, I found a mahogany C250 with records sitting at Carraway's Antiques and Treasures over near the Lynches River bridge on Hwy. 378. He wants $200 for it but might go a little lower.

The only apology is the lid is a little cracking, probably needs new veneer on top. No sweat if you know a cabinetworker or like tinkering. Other than that it looks okayish, should clean up wonderful. Even the platter felt is doable. Gold plating is worn some on the reproducer but it plays.

There's a conduit under the tonearm for a wire, and a bracket in the cabinet for a No. 6 dry cell battery. I think the wire, which goes out at the reproducer, is for an electric light.

Volume control doesn't work but is present.

Just wanted to pass this along. Currently the machine is under a porch with a thin blanket on it, and while it looks nice now, I don't think it will last. For example, the guy has a 1930s or 40s Royal KMM typewriter in the yard full of LEAVES. If he doesn't bring it in, the weather will ruin the C-250, and if the weather does that, then he'll probably junk it for parts.

It came out of a big mansion in Kingstree but has moved around SC a little bit; phonographs travel with their humans sometimes.

Best of luck and I hope a Forum member saves it!

Charles F.

The wiring is for the short-lived, factory installed Edison Electric Automatic Stop (aka "Duncan stop") which was only provided on a couple of models from January 1917 until around Autumn 1918.

Best,
Fran

Thanks much, I stand corrected. If it weren't for space and moving concerns I'd have this thing in the shed already but someone NEEDS to go for it.

EDIT:

I heard from the seller of this phonograph today & he priced it at $150. With the great shape of this machine (except mild lid damage easily repaired) this is a great price--

Have to pass up/out of room & moving soon, so wanted to tell our SC, NC, and GA collectors where a top-of-the-heap phono can be had for near nothing!