The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Here is a Canadian Berliner that is being offered to me.It is an early "K" with a repainted horn that has also come apart.It would seem that the crank is also gone and the reproducer does not look right (to me).The thing that has me concerned the most is the serial number........666...... .That's a first.the seller would like me to make a offer.Not sure there is much there $$$ wise.Any comments??.

Don't you hate the " Make an offer.." game? Well, as we all know they don't surface very often! This is one with the cantilever tone arm too. But I think you're quite right: the reproducer doesn't look like the Berliner that one usually sees on these machines. But what is it?? It would be interesting to see just what that reproducer is! The machine looks as if it fell off a table at one point...the back bracket is cracked, as is the case, is it not?
I have no idea what to offer the man because I have never seen one of these sold in all years as a Canadian collector. Maybe you should contact some of the guys at the Canadian Antique Phonograph Society. Do you know Domenic Di Bernardo? He's " Mr Berliner" in terms of his collection.

Jim

LSG,I'm going to take a shot and say it is some European reproducer.It should have a Berliner Automatic grand (see pic of my "H")that has a nice red paper label inside showing the "HMV".The "crack" you see is string around the elbow.The whole elbow part looks "home made" to me.You are right in that two of the case corners are spliting a part.As for the horn.....it's a "right off" in my eyes.I own a "KT" that is the same with 8" turn table.In fact this machine's case is the same or close to the small Victor #1.Based on the guys response....he thinks it's worth $$$$$$ and maybe a little more $$$$$ than I do.It's a pass for me.