The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi all,

So I came across this; I think its a 202 but am sure the experts here will set me straight if I'm wrong!

If I do end up getting this - I'll have to go thru considerable pains with regards to shipping and handling. So is this machine worth the effort - as in, is this a model that we all rarely come across?

So wanted your advice - the person selling this is not very sure what he wants to sell this for. But he does want it gone. So while I don't want to take advantage of him, I also dont want to overpay. So what ought to be a fair price? If indeed this is worth lugging across 3/4th of India.

Lastly, wishing you all a great holiday season; and you and your families a healthy and happy 2020.

Best,
s

Yes, it is (or was!) a 202, but it has been severely mucked about. The legs have been shortened, the door hinges have been replaced, but worst of all, the original motor has been replaced. Personally, I wouldn't touch it.

Barry

plus non original grill cloth and you wonder if the original horn is still there also...

I agree leave well alone. There are better examples out there.

Have you seen this in person? the 202 be should be made of made oak? This looks something else (or repolished)?

Sidewinder wrote:Have you seen this in person? the 202 be should be made of made oak? This looks something else (or repolished)?

The machine is in India (see original post) where they were made in Teak. This is only the second Teak 202 I have seen, but it has been butchered beyond economic restoration.

I would say it depends on price - I would go for it if it was fairly low (also given the transport issue). If a teak cabinet 202 is super rare, and assuming the re-entrant horn is present, the correct motor is not impossible to find. Aesthetically though (hinges etc) it will never be perfect, but you will have an "almost" 202, with 202 sound. If the horn is missing then all you have is a messed up 202 cabinet.

Sidewinder wrote:I would say it depends on price - I would go for it if it was fairly low (also given the transport issue). If a teak cabinet 202 is super rare, and assuming the re-entrant horn is present, the correct motor is not impossible to find. Aesthetically though (hinges etc) it will never be perfect, but you will have an "almost" 202, with 202 sound. If the horn is missing then all you have is a messed up 202 cabinet.

I'd tend to agree - restoration would be a huge challenge and expense, but 202s/203s are pretty rare and highly valuable - although the days of £15000 price tags are long gone, a good one is surely worth £5000 or more, so I'd have thought this must be worth something.

Thanks all.

So I wont be getting it. Given all the excellent feedback, I really dont want to go thru the massive hassle of moving this machine from one corner of India to where my parents are. And from there to then transport it to me...I would consider doing it for a teak 202 in far better condition!

I saw this machine, too. It was advertised on olx.in. The condition was wanting, but based upon a video I received, the horn was likely original.

Best,

Garret

The motor is original and it's the more desirable oil-bath type too. Still, a pristine 202 is probably worth £7000 so this example is likely worth about ½ to 40% of that.