The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I anticipate moving and downsizing sometime this year. I have 20 or so machines and hundreds of records (cylinder, 78, and diamond disc) and I'm sure I'll be letting most if not all go to new homes. Most of the machines are fairly common but almost all are good, functioning machines.

I'd like some advice on how best to sell everything. I have posted some of the machines here in the past. I plan to try Craigslist for some things as well. I do not have or want a Facebook account. If you have other suggestions or recommendations (pro and con), please let me know. I am in the Boston suburbs if that helps.

Thanks in advance for your input and assistance.

In my humble opinion, you're probably already on the right track. The more common machines may be good Facebook/Craigslist candidates. However, the market is odd right now, I have see nice looking Victrolas and Grafonolas online for less than $100. Be emotionally prepared to let them go a little lower than you hope - but hopefully to good homes, which is always one of my main concerns.

I would not recommend letting them go to a local (generic estates/antiques) auction house - as I have done when I got stressed out or time wasn't on my side. I had machines go for $35 and then they took out their commission... sad day.

Full disclosure: They did me a service by hauling the stuff away, I had other more pressing matters to attend to and things were piling up. There were no special pieces sent to the auction, LOL. I do have a little common sense....

Oh.... almost forgot. PM me if you have any GRANBY brand phonographs. Take care,

Are you planning on selling all of your machines and starting your collection again when you move into your new home?


I’ve sold a good amount of machines through Facebook (which is the only thing I use Facebook for ). I think more people will see your machines on Facebook than on Craigslist.

David

Just a thought... Hire David - AKA: dzavracky (memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=26068) to sell them for you.
He is very good at that type of thing...

dzavracky wrote: Wed Apr 28, 2021 11:48 am Are you planning on selling all of your machines and starting your collection again when you move into your new home?


I’ve sold a good amount of machines through Facebook (which is the only thing I use Facebook for ). I think more people will see your machines on Facebook than on Craigslist.

David

I haven't decided whether I'm selling 90% or 100% of what I have. In any case, no, I do not anticipate making further significant purchases post-move.

Thanks for the comment about Facebook. I always have privacy concerns about them...

52089 wrote: Wed Apr 28, 2021 4:00 pm

dzavracky wrote: Wed Apr 28, 2021 11:48 am Are you planning on selling all of your machines and starting your collection again when you move into your new home?


I’ve sold a good amount of machines through Facebook (which is the only thing I use Facebook for ). I think more people will see your machines on Facebook than on Craigslist.

David

I haven't decided whether I'm selling 90% or 100% of what I have. In any case, no, I do not anticipate making further significant purchases post-move.

Thanks for the comment about Facebook. I always have privacy concerns about them...

I would be willing to help you. Send me pm if you'd like help putting them for sale on marketplace.

David

I downsized to a condo for a year or so to take an attractive job offer away from home. I kept a couple machines and they fit in nicely. I found it comforting to have a few of my phonographs. You should pick out one or two that "stand out" and hold on..... just my two cents.

PM sent with thought.... I am still having no luck selling my Edison LU 37....perhaps I can find a young or new collector soon who wants it. Yankee Trader is still a good place since new forum members and others keep checking it.

Granby wrote: Wed Apr 28, 2021 4:55 pm I downsized to a condo for a year or so to take an attractive job offer away from home. I kept a couple machines and they fit in nicely. I found it comforting to have a few of my phonographs. You should pick out one or two that "stand out" and hold on..... just my two cents.

Seconded.

You definitely want to keep some sort of a phonograph around & your best records. I ended up moving & brought along my portable Grafonola and an old Edison Fireside A with a cygnet. Those were genuinely worth bringing along. Even if it's just a regular Victrola or something it's nice to have a record player.

I hope you have a safe & pleasant move.

EdiBrunsVic wrote: Wed Apr 28, 2021 8:16 pm PM sent with thought.... I am still having no luck selling my Edison LU 37....perhaps I can find a young or new collector soon who wants it. Yankee Trader is still a good place since new forum members and others keep checking it.

Your LU-37 is a very high-quality example of that model. I hope you can find someone new to collecting soon; they're very attractive small machines. Good luck.

Check us out here on : 4-4time.com . Give me a call and we can work out details if interested. John