The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have located this machine that is couple hours away. It looks in good shape, has been in a family since the 1930's comes with 3 dozen records and has 2 reproducers. Asking $350. Comments please.

It's an attractive machine, particularly in oak, and in above average shape. The C200 is less common but not particularly sought after, as it has a single spring and a medium-sized 150 horn.

I'd gladly pay $150-$200 for this, but even in oak, I think $350 is overpriced. For that money it's pretty easy to find a nice Chippendale, B250, etc. If you don't want a larger machine, a C150/S19 can usually be had under $200 with a little patience.

Just my 2 cents of course.

Looks like a very nice example. If it's something that you will enjoy it for a short while and sell, don't buy it. If it fits your needs for the long haul it looks like a wonderful machine ready to entertain your family for a long time. With the lateral cut adaptor it is very versatile so you'll be able to play the Edison records as well as regular 78s. I'd say it is fairly priced but not a bargain. There is nothing wrong with asking for the seller's best cash price. A cash offer of $250 might buy it and I bet with an offer of $300 you'll be loading it in your vehicle.

Jerry B.

Thanks guys, I was also considering the 3 dozen DD records that come with it.

Nice machine! The needle tin, all the records, and the condition definitely make this tempting. In my opinion, the $350 is really not that "unrealistic" in a retail setting. I would take some cash, be polite, show some genuine interest. I agree with Jerry, start a tad low but I bet $300 will do it... Fingers crossed for $250. Good luck!

I will let some more experienced collectors comment about rarity.

Now, if the price point was way north of $400 to $450, I don't think I would be very tempted....

Herderz wrote:Thanks guys, I was also considering the 3 dozen DD records that come with it.

To me that's not much of a factor because you know nothing about titles or condition. Earlier discs tend to be less interesting to most of us, but there are certainly some gems on them.

The 78 adaptor is certainly a plus, but again, they are easy to find. It looks like there are conventional 78s in the drawer as well.

Whatever you decide, good luck!

The soft tone Victor needle tin is uncommon and interesting. The records - unless there are some unusual ones, are worth 1-5 dollars a piece (you can find them regularly for a buck) - so no big deal there. The oak is exceptionally nicely grained for an Edison cabinet, but as said before, the C200 is not sought after by collectors, so cheaper is better - $200-$250.

I would bet $275 - 300 will buy it. Even so, if the buyer is firm at $350, I wouldn't let a few extra bucks get in the way if you really like it.

Jim

One last thought - don't forget to test the reproducer on the runout area of a record to make sure it's not marking the disc. If it is, that's a significant expense to remedy.

Yes, a bad reproducer will cost about $235 to repair if it needs a new diamond. And from my experience, 8 or 9 out of 10 Edison DD reproducers need a new diamond.