The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Last night a tin I was bidding on sold for $246.50. I know it's a rare one, but not exceedingly rare, as I've seen another couple examples over the years, and it got me wondering if spending this sort of cash is justified.
I've got tins that I've had for 30 yrs, and some are barely readible anymore due to rust, while others have faired quite well. For this reason, I try & avoid paying anymore than around $20 or $30 for a tin, although I did break this rule about a week ago & paid $71 for a rather common HMV tin, simply because I needed it to complete a set of 4 & didn't want to wait for the next one
I highly doubt I'd ever hand over more than $100 for a tin I considered rare & really wanted.

So, what are your general thoughts on needle tins?
Would you ever pay $100...$200...$300... more...for a rare tin that might turn to rust in a few years?
Would you view such a purchase as a good investment or a risky gamble?

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... 0509226062

I just bought my first tins on ebay a few days ago for 20 bucks, four that aren't worth much but one is a Tungstone and I wanted one for my tungsten needles. I can't see paying $300 for a little metal box but then lots of people think phonograph and old record collecting is nutty too : ) As for the rust, if I *was* to pay 200 or 300 for one, it would have to be in pretty damn clean, non-rusty shape. In that case rust probably would not be an issue while you owned it especially if you put something on it to keep it from rusting (very light oil? coat of beeswax?). If one was already pretty rusty, there are probably sealers you can apply to halt rust but I don't know if they are invisible or if they affect value. Or at least keep them in a well sealed display case or sealed bag.
Do you do anything to your tins now to preserve them?

First,I have seen rare tins sell for far more than 300.00.Here is a good example.I have only ever seen two of these sell on ebay and one before ebay.The last one sold for over 450.00 in worst condition that this.Regarding preserving a tin.....Best advise I can think of.....DO NOT TOUCH IT AT ALL!!!!!

I really can't understand tin collecting. Okay, so tins are a bit more expensive since they're just made, but spending the amount of money on the early HMV one above is insane! If I had that money I'd spend it on another gramophone or lots of records - at least you will be able to use and enjoy that one rather than sitting watching it turn to dust!

Phonograph collecting has many sub areas to it.Machines,records,signs,needle tins,even record dusters.I have seen record dusters sell for over the 200.00 mark.It all depends on what you like.The above tin is NOT a english issued "HMV" tin but a very large and very rare Berliner tin.As most advanced collectors in the "disc" collecting area know.Berliner is in the higher sought after end of the scale.Here is a Victor tin that sells regularly on Ebay for 140.00 up depending on condition.Another rare and good $$ tin with great graffics is this European tin with the early Aeroplane.It rarely turns up in any condition.

I'm in agreeement with JHolmesesq for the most part. If given the choice between a tin and a machine, I'd take the machine anytime. The peripherals involved in collecting phonographs are neat, but I get that type of material when it is in a machine when I acquire it. However, I understand that collectors with limited space pursue our hobby in a way that enables them to enjoy it the best way that fits their lifestyle. Same goes for individuals that only chase after one type of machine. I go after whatever I like, whether it's rare or common, perfect or not. There are limitations so when something comes in, I'm at the point that something else has to go out. So a new acquisition has to be something I like enough to displace something already cluttering up the house. Seems to have worked so far...

I think that is a very healthy way to approach collecting phonographs, Steve. Although I don't think people who are fanatical about tins are necessarily space limited. Tins of all types seem to have huge followings. I've met guys who have spent their whole lives chasing motor oil cans - and they spend over $1K for some of them! They often have old cars too but some reason the passion is for the oil cans and not the cars. Seems backwards but who understands why any of us like the stuff we like?

This also leads into the discussion of why spend $10K(or much more)on an unusual or rare phonograph when you can by an Edison Standard for $300 or a 78 portable for $50. Now there are many cool phonograph accessories that I would pay big bucks for (certain advertising, cabinets, early stocks/bonds, etc). Often these cost much more than a reasonably priced phonograph. I'm not really into tins either - I have a fair number but they are only purchased when I find them for a reasonable price (nearly always under $20 - which often seems high).

I'll bet there are tin collectors reading this thread thinking we are nuts for not placing a higher value on the tins.