The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello. I could really use some guidance and opinions on the current value of my numerous phonographs. Obviously I need to list the different phonographs/models and include what type of reproducer, horn and condition. Just want to make sure that there are people on here that would be willing to assist with an informal appraisal and / or their opinions...

Thank you!

My suggestion is look at past realized auction prices. You can start researching Donley auctions and Stanton's as well. People often ask for estimates, but they don't want to put forth the effort to research it themselves. Google is really an amazing tool. Just remember that condition can have a substantial influence on value. Here is one from 2019.
https://www.proxibid.com/Donley-Auction ... log/158350

I am reluctant to comment on values unless there are good photos.

Jerry Blais

Researching auction prices is a good idea, but my caution would be, it was sold in a well known auction setting, which usually draws higher prices. You may not get the same prices on Craigslist or Ebay unless it's a highly desirable machine. And you must be willing to ship or the buyer cannot proceed with the purchase. Of course you can require the buyer to use someone like Craters and Freighters but that is only advisable for a very high end machine due the cost.

Are you looking for insurance value? I know when I was looking into insurance for my collection, the insurance company required and up to date appraisal at all times. No appraiser around here would know the difference between a Montross Berliner and a Victor R. I ended up boosting my homeowner's insurance collectable limits. It is impossible for anyone on this Forum to advise values without good pictures and descriptions. You can still use the other suggestions and research yourself.

Appraisals have legal ramifications as well, which is why there are certified appraisars.

The Antique Phonograph Society has a great general purpose guide to help determine values of many antique phonographs here: https://www.antiquephono.org/aps-price- ... blic-view/. This guide coupled with some watching of the values realized on completed sales at eBAY can help you determine some relatively accurate estimates.

Cheers,
Fran

fran604g wrote:The Antique Phonograph Society has a great general purpose guide to help determine values of many antique phonographs here: https://www.antiquephono.org/aps-price- ... blic-view/. This guide coupled with some watching of the values realized on completed sales at eBAY can help you determine some relatively accurate estimates.

Cheers,
Fran

Just looked at the link only Victor ?

soundgen wrote:
Just looked at the link only Victor ?

No, scroll to the bottom of the page and you'll see a number of manufacturers. Click on the desired brand.

George P.

To reply to the original poster , the value of anything is a subjective matter inasmuch as there is absolutely NO value in anything until it is actually sold and paid for. Any selling price of a second hand article is influenced by several factors ,but chiefly WHEN , WHERE , and HOW sold as well as condition of the said article. Also any modifications or alterations of the article from when it was new will influence selling price , sometimes more , sometimes less.
Auction sold prices can be a guide as other members have mentioned , but a word of caution as auction prices can vary enormously depending upon several factors. When folks ask me what a phonograph is "worth " , I sometimes re-tell the following. A few years ago , there were in the same week , two Edison Standard phonographs offered for sale -- one of which was listed on UK ebay , the other was included in a public auction sale in the Midlands area of the UK . The one on ebay was listed for " collection in person " and the seller's location was fairly remote. Also , the photos on the ebay listing were not particularly good , as well as the seller probably not having much idea of likely selling price as the phonograph was listed at a 99p starting price. The Standard in the public auction came with two boxes containing 2 - minute cylinders , but the online catalogue pictures did not show anything of particular merit or rarity. Both phonographs appeared to be complete and both were either the fairly commonplace Model A or B Standard in New Style cases. The ebay one sold for £26 and the other one sold for around £600 plus buyer's premium. This story illustrates well that selling price will be affected by several factors , but chiefly Where, When and How . Regards Dulcetto