The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

The new year inevitably bring about reflection, and on a Facebook Group, an APS member wondered if other collectors ever wonder about their antique phonographs' individual histories. There was naturally a large response in the affirmative. Here's my response (which I thought particularly appropriate during APS re-up time):

I've always been interested in the stories behind antique phonographs. As an APS member, you can check out the story (December 2007 issue) of a Victrola 90 that was purchased on December 23, 1922, and see the original sales slip with the customer's name and address on it. The house still stands.

The March 1916 issue describes an Edison Schubert obtained from the granddaughter of the original owner - - whose records survived and show a strong interest in 1920s aviation.

The September 2017 issue shows a recently-discovered Graphophone Grand, whose original owners were discovered through a surviving home recording - - after several months of sleuthing. A picture of the original elegant home is included.

In the June 2010 issue, there are even two Edison S-19s shown in their original shipping crates - - unsold stock!

The March 2018 issue shows a Circassian Walnut Victrola XVI, and photos of the original owners and their mansion.

If you're not a member of the APS, you should check out the topics that have appeared in its publication over the past 16 years (64 issues):

www.antiquephono.org/index-for-aps-magazine-topics/

George P.

Years ago, I posted a thread on a Berliner hand wind I own and the history of the original owner.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=11408&p=63725&hilit ... ind#p63725

Subtle product placement.... as a business historian, I like it! All kidding aside, I did just renew. I find The Antique Phonograph quarterly journal very interesting and worthwhile. Money is tight for all of us this day in age but the annual subscription is well worth finding the $$$ for.... in my humble opinion. Keep up the good work!

Granby wrote:Subtle product placement.... as a business historian, I like it!

Was that subtle? I must be getting better...or losing my touch!

George P.

I bought 2 Emerson consoles within a few of months of each other ---when I asked about the history, both machines came from Texas and both were from divorced parents, where the children went and got them bringing them home to their mothers place---the kids were not interested in the family heirlooms and both woman felt it was better to let them go to someone that appreciated them instead of to the curb. It's funny how things happen in twos for me.

I was very fortunate to buy one of the first Granby phonographs produced this past summer (serial number of less than 200)... It was a very emotional experience for the seller as it had been in her family since new. Tucked in the back of the record storage compartments were momentos from Newport News, the city in which the Granby was produced and first introduced in 1920... special...

Some time ago I posted about my Columbia 204 portable, purchased new in 1934 as a 21st birthday present for my favourite aunt, who bequeathed it to me.

My Columbia G-208 and Decca 120 portables were both purchased from the families of the original owners. The Columbia was bought new in Hong Kong just before it fell to the Japanese in WW2, and the Decca was a Golden Wedding Anniversary present to the seller's grandparents in 1929. Having recently celebrated my own Golden Wedding Anniversary I appreciate it's story even more.