The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Is there anyone that collects one brand machine in particular, as well as the top 3? Just wondering if there are collectors attempting to have all models of say ----Cheney, Aeolian/Vocalion, Brunswick, Sonora, Emerson (besides me)?

I've usually collected HMV. No particular reason but my first machine was an oak HMV table grand made in 1915 which was a featured phonograph here on TMF many moons ago. Here is the link

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1521

I also have a 1927 HMV oak 163 which was the smallest of the re-entrant machines, and a 1937 HMV radiogram and a 1968 HMV radiogram. I have recently purchased, to restore, a high end HMV radiogram from 1957 which I am just beginning work on. I only need to find a suitable HMV machine from the 1940's to cover most of the 20th century - although being immediately post war most machines made for the UK market at that time were fairly basic. As to why I have collected so many HMV machines...well it is nice to have a selection of machines to play the wide range of 78's and vinyl I have accumulated over the years so that I can pick a machine from the period the record was made.

I do have other machines but the main focus for me has been on HMV and that is just how my collection of machines has grown.

Mainly the big 3 Victor, Edison, Columbia I can get parts for those. (Except a tonearm bracket for a VV- 2-60 portable )

Pretty much just Edisons for me...though I do love Columbias... Victrola I might dabble in someday...but not anytime soon.

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

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Most of my machines are Victor. I usually play discs, and I have a nice Brunswick for playing Diamond Disc records. I do have quite a few Columbia and Edison cylinder machines mostly because I like the horns. I also have a few Berliners and a Columbia BI and a BII along with two Sonora machines. My regular players are my Credenza, one of the L-doors, my XVIII or my Humpback. I have always been a dog person, so the Victor machines have an extra appeal.

The plurality of my machines are Edison; next is Columbia, a few Victors, and one Talkophone.

- Bill

My collection consists of Edison (50%), Columbia (20%), Pathé (10%), Victor (5%) and various US and European makers. The focus is mainly on cylinder machines.

In 60 years collecting I have never specialised in any particular make. I like variety, and my collection ranges from an E.M.Ginn Expert to the humblest portable.

I collect everything that attracts my eyes and ears, fits my budget and that I can play records on (no display pieces for me, except for a dog model HMV). That includes Odd horned Phrynis, Edison Opera, Pathé concert, EMG, Expert, Victor Credenza, Columbia 810, Pathé Actuelle, HMV 202, Edison Schubert, Brunswick Cortez, Victor 8-35, German coin-ops and many others.

My biggest interest is in german Loopingphon and swiss Purophon portable. "Sadly" there are quiet rar, so I also have the space and the money to buy other interesting machines - mostly portable ones.
Here is my little collection of these:
Looking forward to get more...