The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I believe it's from a brick and mortar store, so it's going to be at the top end, but just seems expensive.
If someone was going to pay money for it, what would one pay for this if it were a private sale ?
Looks like they cleaned up the crazed finish on the horn and then added a few coats of shellac, leaving the decal in tact.
Lots of gold worn off here there and then buffed a bit.
I don't think mine was ever gold plated, so why is this one, was it an option ?

eBay Item #165055994955

The "gold" isn't gold plating it's just brass showing through the worn nickel plating... AND, it is way overpriced @ $3,950.00 plus $175.00 shipping. The over coating on the horn, is not a positive, it detracts from the value. A nice one should be under $2,500.

Thanks, that makes sense about the plating.

Curt A wrote: Mon Sep 06, 2021 2:30 pm The "gold" isn't gold plating it's just brass showing through the worn nickel plating... AND, it is way overpriced @ $3,950.00 plus $175.00 shipping. The over coating on the horn, is not a positive, it detracts from the value. A nice one should be under $2,500.

Thanks, Curt, for your knowledgeable and sage remarks. Yes, I have overpriced it, a bit, and marked it as “Best Offer”. A smart eBay user can quite easily figure out how to get in touch with me directly, saving a lot of money (eBay fees, Sales tax, etc.). All one has to do is read the listing and the direct contact information practically hits you over the head.

Also, the shipping fee ($175) is quite fair and reasonable. eBay gets their cut. The boxes and packing materials do not come from a local dumpster, they are new, fresh and clean and I double-box using double-wall boxes. I’ve shipped hundreds of similar phonographs and the $175 doesn’t cover the expenses. And, I guarantee safe arrival, 100%.

Raphael

And, I will throw a "curve ball" into this brief discussion that I think deserves to be mentioned - periodically. Sometimes, non-collectors buy phonographs. Seriously, there is a "market" for new enthusiasts, antiques collectors, people who own historic homes and want something "period and different" than their friends, etc. All I am trying to say is that a phonograph that presents well may be worth more to the general public than a seasoned collector. if I were a retailer, I would start my retail prices quite a bit higher... be begin with....

Raphael provides excellent customer service before and after the sale. His buyers are looking for something all ready to go and are willing to pay for it. Steve

Raphael, my remarks were not meant as a critique on your listing or shipping costs...

They were in response to the OP's question, as stated in his first post. Honestly, I didn't know it was your eBay listing until now and if you can get your asking price, more power to you. I just wouldn't pay it... Your shipping costs are not an issue, per se, but added to $3,950 it makes the cost of an average Victor IV somewhat out of line at $4,125.00 - just sayin'...

And I was “just sayin’” that the $3950 ain’t where it’s at.

Raphael

Surely, most people, collectors included, would prefer a presentable machine which doesn't require any work?

Personally speaking I'm tired of buying crap which requires a lot of work and which is never as good as you expect from the photos online. I have low expectations these days but they're still rarely met!

Irrespective of how much I seem to spend I never seem to get the quality or condition I hope for.

Has anyone got a Victor VI for sale? It goes without saying it must be excellent and unrestored.

Raphael wrote: Tue Sep 07, 2021 3:05 pm And I was “just sayin’” that the $3950 ain’t where it’s at.

Raphael

What's wrong with "just sayin' where it's at"...? $500-$3950 is a big range... Besides, this post wasn't about you...