Is this Fireside a good deal?

[antique1973]

This seems pretty reasonably priced for a 2/4 fireside model A right? I generally just buy
the fixer machines but this one is pretty tempting. Not sure where I will put it with the
massive horn though.


http://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/atq/1913760916.html

[Valecnik]

73,

It's actually a combination standard. The horn is in average condition and it looks like the decal is gone off the front. Personally I'd say it's ~$300 machine but it would have to be much cheaper than that to excite me. I just have no space.

[antique1973]

73,

It's actually a combination standard. The horn is in average condition and it looks like the decal is gone off the front. Personally I'd say it's ~$300 machine but it would have to be much cheaper than that to excite me. I just have no space.

It's a Standard. Minus $100. And the decal is gone. Minus $100. And a horn which I
don't really have room for either. Minus $100. I agree, I am no longer excited either.

[brianu]

400 really is not a bad price for that set up if it's working - it plays both 2 and 4 minute cylinders, has the lid, horn and crane, two reproducers (C and H), and the condition looks good. 300 for that, even if the decal has disappeared, I think would be a bargain. but if you have a few of these already or no interest, then even 100 might not be a bargain. and if you have no space, you have no space.

[martinola]

It looks like an early Model D in the Tall style case with the earlier single striping on the bedplate. The seller claims it's a 2&4 minute machine, but I really can't make out the top gears in the photo, so it's slightly possible it could be a Model C.

If you wanted to buy the parts separately you'd end up paying $300 (or perhaps a deal more). For example: #10 Standard horn $70-100, Model H reproducer $40-60, Model C reproducer $40-60, repro horn crane $50-70, machine itself $100-200. If you look at it that way, the price isn't bad. (Of course if you're not interested at all then $25 for everything will be too much.)

antique1973: I'm just curious; why do you prefer a Fireside over a Standard?

Regards,
Martin

[antique1973]

It looks like an early Model D in the Tall style case with the earlier single striping on the bedplate. The seller claims it's a 2&4 minute machine, but I really can't make out the top gears in the photo, so it's slightly possible it could be a Model C.

If you wanted to buy the parts separately you'd end up paying $300 (or perhaps a deal more). For example: #10 Standard horn $70-100, Model H reproducer $40-60, Model C reproducer $40-60, repro horn crane $50-70, machine itself $100-200. If you look at it that way, the price isn't bad. (Of course if you're not interested at all then $25 for everything will be too much.)

antique1973: I'm just curious; why do you prefer a Fireside over a Standard?

Regards,
Martin

Thanks for the info Martin. Actually I would be happy with a Standard, Home, or Fireside since I have yet to add an external horn to my collection. I did not read the ad closely enough apparently since the seller mentioned it was a Standard. The firesides seem to have the morning glory horns often times so I guess it threw me off. I try to leave a good size cushion when I buy machines and it seemed like the Firesides go for $500 on Ebay. I guess to summarize, I would like a 2/4 geared machine that I can play 2min, 4min black wax, and 4min Blue Amberols.

[antique1973]

The seller just got back with me and said it was sold. Not sure how much was
paid but he seemed pretty firm on the price at $400 in a previous conversation. Its quite possible, the market here is inflated in respect to other areas of the country, and machines will go for more than they should at times.

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice!

[AZ*]

Good grief!

Are you serious, antique1973? You keep posting questions here asking whether something is a good deal, and you don't even appear to be reading the CL listings or looking at the pictures. I don't mind helping other collectors or sharing what I've learned over the past 40 years of collecting, but please do your homework!!! Buy some books and read them. You've been given this advice before and don't seem to want to take it.

There is a hell of a difference between an Edison Fireside and a Standard. First of all, the Fireside has unique lid clips that are not used on any other Edison machine. One glance at the picture and anyone who has done his homework knows it is NOT a Fireside.

Next, although a Fireside is smaller than a Standard, it typically sells for at least twice as much as the average Standard (or at least it used to before the bottom dropped out of the market).

This is a the last time I plan to reply to one of your "is this a good deal" posts. If you are unwilling to do a minimum of your own research, you will be at the mercy of the advice you receive on this board which varies from top-notch to rubbish.

[antique1973]

Good grief!

Are you serious, antique1973? You keep posting questions here asking whether something is a good deal, and you don't even appear to be reading the CL listings or looking at the pictures. I don't mind helping other collectors or sharing what I've learned over the past 40 years of collecting, but please do your homework!!! Buy some books and read them. You've been given this advice before and don't seem to want to take it.

There is a hell of a difference between an Edison Fireside and a Standard. First of all, the Fireside has unique lid clips that are not used on any other Edison machine. One glance at the picture and anyone who has done his homework knows it is NOT a Fireside.

Next, although a Fireside is smaller than a Standard, it typically sells for at least twice as much as the average Standard (or at least it used to before the bottom dropped out of the market).

This is a the last time I plan to reply to one of your "is this a good deal" posts. If you are unwilling to do a minimum of your own research, you will be at the mercy of the advice you receive on this board which varies from top-notch to rubbish.

Actually, I already bought the Edison diamond disc book by Frow and "Looking for the Dog". These books don't cover cylinder machines, so I have to go off whatever lousy pictures I can find on the internet concerning the differences between models. I don't have $150 to drop on the cylinder book right now ok?
I did read the post, I just scan many ads during the day so after a while I may overlook some details in a description. It happens.

I always appreciate the advice I get on the board, because although I have learned much I still have a long way to go.

I am not really concerned if you don't respond to any of my future posts, but in any case thanks for
the advice you have provided in the past.

[Guest]

Here is my two cents for what it's worth. If you have some money to put into a Fireside or Standard, don't do it yet. Put that towards a couple of books instead. I knew a guy who got roasted on here awhile back for asking questions regarding value etc. without first doing some homework.

I had to stop looking for phonographs and pick up some books. Once I learned the basics of what I was looking for, everyone on the board has been more than willing to help out with any questions.

This really is a great group of collectors with a vast amount of knowledge!