The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I found this thing for sale (sorry only 2 pics). The owner wants $300 for it. The crank and horn is missing. I have no idea what kind of shape the motor is in. I likely wont be able to get it due to lack of funds, but based on these 2 pics how much should one pay?


Thanks,

Travis

Personally, I think $300 is a bargain.

One should hand the owner $300 and get the heck out of there before he changes his mind...

Amongst all the el-cheapo machines, there usually isn’t much to distinguish them or make them very interesting, to me at least.

The Z is an exception because it’s got a feature that I really like: the weird tapered-edge platter and brake that rises up to meet that edge. For some reason I really like that.

It’s a front-mount, it’s cute, and the horn and crank are readily available either as repro (easy) or original ($). It has all the difficult parts present.

I’d have a close look and see what the details look like. If the spring is broken (twist the winding shaft by hand and see what happens) or there are cracks and gouges in the case, etc, you may have some price leverage.

I’d probably point out such things and ask whether the price is flexible, then see what is offered. I’d happily pay $250 for what we see, and $300 is not completely unreasonable if the spring is good and motor (governor weights etc) is complete.

This is a bargain, I think, and it would be better than seeing it broken up & sold for parts.

I remember reading several posts about parts found inside the case. Possibly the crank is there and who knows what else.

It's missing the following:
crank - $75 to $100
horn - $200
horn elbow - $60
long throat Exhibition - $200
parts or a new traveling arm - $175

So if you hold out for original parts you can expect to pay around $700 over the initial cost.

Jerry B.

I looked at the photos too quickly. That’s not a Victor soundbox and elbow, on closer inspection. Oops, sorry! You can still find the bits needed though, but I revise my number downward to $150 - and only if the motor is ok.

Looks like an adaptor and soundbox to play Pathé records is there installed...

Sorry guys, not seeing a bargain here. But, if you had the parts on the shelf already, it's not too bad a buy.